Express Yourself

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Youth and Young Adult Programming

The Coalition’s “Express Yourself” programs guide and support foster youth, kids in kinship care and adoptees of all ages as they navigate the complex emotions of their personal journeys.

Through group activities, one-on-one coaching and peer mentors  youth receive support to find healthy means of expressing themselves through dance and the arts while developing critical life skills such as creating healthy relationships, self-advocacy, and maintaining support networks.

Being raised apart from one’s original parents is often one of the most challenging experiences in a person’s life. It’s said to be a lonely journey, and it often can be. It can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders when you have no one in your life with whom to share your experiences. It can feel isolating.

We aren’t designed to walk our journeys alone.

We all need support every now and then. Connecting with others who understand is a life changing experience. Regardless of what stage you’re at in your journey, rest assured that there is someone who will understand what you’re going through. Someone who is able to give you the encouragement you need to keep going.

Benefits of youth participating in these groups may include:

  • Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged.
  • Gaining a sense of empowerment and control.
  • Improving coping skills and a sense of adjustment.
  • Talking openly and honestly about adoptee feelings.
  • Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue.
  • Developing a clearer understanding of what to expect with your situation.
  • Being around others that speak the same language as you.
  • Comparing notes about resources, what has helped and not helped in healing.
  • Identifying triggers and how to process them.
  • Building lifelong relationships.
  •  Improving quality of life.
  • Enjoying exciting activities together.
  • Empowering one another by sharing experiences, strengths and hopes.
  • Resource Referrals.
  • Advocacy.

Partnership with Adoptees Connect Network

Our Adult Adoptee Meet-ups are part and parcel of the larger national Adoptees Connect network!

Adoptees Connect groups have helped many people cope with the emotional aspects of being adopted. Adoptees Connect provides a safe place to share feelings and challenges. They also allow people to learn from other adoptees facing similar situations. Members often share their personal experiences and offer one another emotional comfort and moral support. They may also offer practical advice and tips to help others cope with various situations and feelings.

With both Express Yourself and Adoptees Connect, we’re focused and dedicated on building lifelong relationships with one another. We have the opportunity to navigate this life together by planning fun activities, hosting monthly small group meetings and sharing our lives with one another.

 

Make sure to check out our Collation Calendar to find the next event!