Journey Together Virtual Birthparent Groups
A few updates! Starting in October, our Thursday Connect Calls now alternate between Monthly Focus (2nd & 4th Thursdays) and Share & Discuss (all other Thursdays). Our Book Club and Creative Club have also joined together as our new Create & Connect Club. Everything else — Open Door Tuesdays and our Wednesday calls — stays exactly the same. See below for the full updated schedule!
You don't have to navigate this alone. Our Connect Calls, Open Door Tuesdays, and Create & Connect Club are free, safe spaces to find support, connection, and community. All virtual groups are open to anyone who has placed a child for adoption, no matter the circumstances of your placement, where you live, or how long ago you placed. You don't need to be a Shared Journeys client to join.
To participate:
- Your placement must be finalized
- Be respectful of others in the group
- Keep what's shared in the group confidential
Registration is required and easy — just download Zoom and click the link to sign up.
Connect Call Monthly Focus
Staff/peer-led with a monthly discussion topic, aligned with our yearly Retreat theme. Discussion materials shared in advance — come ready to connect and share.
2nd & 4th Thursdays 8PM CST | 9PM EST | 6PM PST
For first/birthmothers/birthgivers.
Connect Call Share & Connect
Open conversation, no set topic — a relaxed space to show up, talk, and connect with others who get it.
All other Thursdays 8PM CST | 9PM EST | 6PM PST
For first/birthmothers/birthgivers.
Connect Call Share & Connect with Others Navigating Closed & Reunion Adoptions
Specifically for birth/first mothers who have experienced a closed adoption at any point in their journey. Reunion is not required — just a shared experience and a desire to connect.
3rd Wednesdays 7PM CST | 8PM EST | 5PM PST
For first/birthmothers/birthgivers.
Open Door Tuesdays
Chat with a case manager. No agenda, no pressure — drop in to talk, ask questions, connect to resources, or simply be heard.
Every Tuesday 12PM CST | 1PM EST | 10AM PST
Open to all first/birthparents.
Create & Connect Club
Our Book Club and Creative Club have joined forces! Rotating sessions throughout the year — arts & crafts, book discussions, and movie nights — building community in a supportive space.
Schedule posted as each session is announced. Advance registration will likely be required for some sessions so materials can be sent ahead of time.
Open to all birthparents.
A few important things to know:
These calls are peer support groups, not crisis services. We ask that you join from a private space when you're feeling emotionally stable and ready to engage. If you're in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for immediate support by calling or texting 988 before joining a call.
Are you an adoption professional or social worker? Please reach out to Jennifer Adams at jennifer@sharedjourneyscollective.org directly rather than registering — we want to make sure this stays a safe space for birthparents.
Looking for a group that reflects your specific experience? We want to hear from you. If you're a birthparent of color, LGBTQIA+, a birthfather, or another birth family member interested in a call tailored to your story, contact Jennifer Adams at jennifer@sharedjourneyscollective.org and let us know.
Please note, no calls: August 20, August 27, November 26, December 24, December 31
Please see Shared Journeys' statement on our commitment to equity and inclusion at the bottom of this page.
