Welcome!

If this is your first visit to AIS-CTC, here’s what to expect when you attend one of our meetings:

Varying topics and speakers – We address issues ranging from practical search tips to motherhood and the impact of relinquishment; legislative reform to new books; identity, attachment and intimacy to adoption triad humor. We might show a movie, form discussion groups, or have a guest speaker. Traditional activities include our “Expressions” night (usually in August), where people share music, poetry, scrapbooks, and art, along with our November holiday pot luck. Our meeting schedule is designed to “scratch a variety of itches,” so if your need isn’t specifically addressed at your first meeting, please speak with someone individually afterward, and keep coming back!

Feelings and emotions – our mission and vision focuses around some very tender and sometimes uncomfortable emotional issues. It’s common for people who attend our meetings to have those issues “stirred up.” New information and people can be a bit overwhelming at first. If you need a referral to our emotional support group or a therapist who can help process those feelings, please see a board member.

Different viewpoints – Since AIS welcomes all people touched by relinquishment and adoption, one of the group’s strengths is the opportunity to hear and learn from perspectives of other members of the adoption triad. Sometimes those perspectives are difficult to hear, and can result in the temptation to internalize another person’s experience or emotions. At AIS-CTC, we seek to validate the uniqueness of each individual’s story, while at the same time promoting healthy boundaries. Though we share much in common, keep in mind that another’s experiences or perspectives are almost never commentaries on your life. Try to avoid personalizing what is shared by others, and be discerning about making generalized statements that might hurt or offend others. Using statements that begin with phrases like “I feel...,” “In my experience...” are often helpful.

New friendships and connections – It takes courage to take the first step to consider exploring the idea of search and reunion. We want you to feel welcome, safe and comfortable with us. This is a place to learn, search, connect, heal and help others. Please take things at your own pace, and feel free to participate or just listen. You’ll probably be greeted by people around you who are eager to hear your story and how we can help. Please allow us to be of service in any way we can!