Adoptee Support Groups

AHA Adoptee Support Groups in Minnesota
(all are facilitated by adoptees)

NEW! AHA ONLINE Adoptee Support Group, a monthly support group for all adoptees and formerly fostered individuals over age 18. The new online group is facilitated by experienced adult adoptees. Registered participants attend monthly sessions as well as post to the discussion forums at any time. The site is fully secure and names known only to group administrators.
Contact: Amy Fjellman at afjellman@mnadopt.org for details on registration and an expected launch date.

AHA/First Nations Orphan Association (FNOA) Potluck Dinner and Talking Circle Group, a monthy gathering for Native American adult adoptees and fosterees
Sandy White Hawk of FNOA, and Dr. Darla Brom, formerly of the AHA support group for adult adoptees affected by chemical dependency, will cofacilitate
When: First Thursday of every month; 6-9 PM September 2011 — May 2012
Where: All Nations Indian Church 1515 East 23rd Street, Minneapolis, 55404
Contact: Sandy White Hawk at 651-442-4872 sandywhitehawk@gmail.com or Dr. Darla Brom at firewomanfirst@yahoo.com

What: AHA Support Group Adult Foster Care Alumni, a monthly support group for adults, age 18 and over, formerly in foster care
When: Last Monday of the month, 5 PM to 6 PM
Where: Hennepin Central Library, Mark E. Johnson Conference Room N-202, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Contact: Lola Adebara, facilitator and former fosteree; 651-249-4298

What: AHA High School Adoptee Group, an adoptee peer support group for high school students in the Minnetonka Public School District
When: Thursdays, rotating class periods
Where: Minnetonka High School
Contact: Penelope Needham, penelope.needham@gmail.com

What: AHA Middle School Adoptee Group, an adoptee peer support group for middle school students in the Minnetonka Public School District
When: Thursdays, rotating class periods
Where: Minnetonaka MIddle School East
Contact: Penelope Needham, penelope.needham@gmail.com

What: International Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Forum(s)
Purpose: To welcome adoptees back to their heritage and provide support and connections
When: Scheduled individually and held throughout Minnesota and broader region
Facilitator: Sandy White Hawk, 651-442-4872 or sandywhitehawk@gmail.com

Other Adoptee Support Groups in Minnesota
(all are facilitated by adoptees, except CUB)

What: Adoptees MN, a peer support group for adult adoptees (18 and over)
When: Second Saturday of each month, 9:30-11:00 AM
Where: 1221 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis MN
Contact: Carrie at 651-457-2252, Penny at 612-616-3139 or adopteesmn@gmail.com

What: Adopted and Fostered Adults of the African Diaspora (AFAAD MN), a support group for Black or biracial (or multiracial) adult adoptees and fosterees born anywhere in the world
When: Monthly alternating between Saturday evenings and weekdays
Where: Location rotates among members’ homes and community locations
Contact: Michelle Johnson, 651-341-9636 or meeshahjaye@gmail.com

What: Adult Adoptees of Central Minnesota, a monthly support group for adults, age 18 and over
When: Thursdays, September 15, October 20 and November 17, 6:45-8:15 PM
Where: Array Room, St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, MN 56301
Contact: Nikki Knisley, knisleyray@yahoo.com or 320-363-8757

What: Duluth Support Group, a monthly support group for adoptees age 18 and older
When: First Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM
Where: Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2310 East 4th Street, Duluth, MN
Contact: Michele at 218-525-3678 or mbens@charter.net

What: Minnetonka Middle School Adoption Group, an adoptee peer support group for middle school students in the MInnetonka Public School District
When: Thursdays, rotating class periods
Where: Minnetonka West Middle School
Contact: Penelope Needham, penelope.needham@gmail.com

What: Montevideo Adult Adoptee Support Group, a monthly support group
Where: Montevideo Public Library
Contact: Carleen Helgeson at 320.226.5793

What: Reuniting Minnesota, an interactive e-mail group providing support, advice and, in situations where adoptees no longer live in Minnesota or near the area of their birth or adoption, assistance to adoptees in searching for birth family
Website: ReunitingMinnesota@yahoogroups.com
Contact:  ReunitingMinnesota@yahoo.com

Concerned United Birthmothers, a monthly support group for birth family members and adult adoptees
When: First Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
Where: St. Louis Park Recreation Center, 5005 West 36th St. St. Louis Park, MN 55416, (952) 938-5866
Contact: Sandy Sperrazza, sayspazz@aol.com