Journey Together Virtual Birthparent Groups
You don't have to navigate this alone. Our Connect Calls, Open Door Tuesdays and Birthparent Book 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.
Open Door Tuesdays :: Tuesdays* 12PM CST | 1PM EST | 10AM PST
Chat with a Case Manager *1st, 2nd, 3rd (and 5th) Tuesdays. No agenda, no pressure. Drop in to talk with a caring case manager, ask questions, connect to resources, or simply be heard.
Open to all first/birthparents.
Connect Call Monthly Focus: Staff-led with a monthly discussion topic. Each month explores a new topic with discussion materials shared in advance. Come ready to connect and share.
Second Thursdays :: 8PM CST | 9PM EST | 6PM PST
For first/birthmothers/birthgivers.
March 12 | April 9 | May 14 | June 11 | July 9 | August 13 | September 10 | October 8 | November 12 | December 10
Please note, no calls: Thursday, February 12th (Palentine’s Day event)
Fourth Tuesdays :: 12PM CST | 1PM EST | 10AM PST
Open to all first/birthparents.
March 24 | April 28 | May 26 | June 23 | July 28 | August 25 | September 22 | October 27 | November 24 | December 22
Connect Call Share & Connect :: Thursdays* 8PM CST | 9PM EST | 6PM PST
Open conversation, no set topic. *1st, 3rd, 4th (and 5th) Thursdays. A relaxed space to show up, talk, and connect with others who get it.
Please note, no calls: July 2, November 26, December 24, December 31
For first/birthmothers/birthgivers.
Connect Call Share & Connect with Others Navigating Closed & Reunion Adoptions :: 3rd Wednesdays 7PM CST | 8PM EST | 5PM PST
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.
For first/birthmothers/birthgivers.
March 18 | April 15 | May 20 | June 17 | July 15 | August 19 | September 16 | October 21 | November 18 | December 16
Birthparent Book Club :: 1st Sundays 2PM CST | 3PM EST | 12M PST
Virtual discussions exploring books on adoption, advocacy, and more. Build community in a supportive space. Please note, no calls April 5th, July 5th, September 6th.
Open to all birthparents.
Register here for our Book Club.
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 see Shared Journeys' statement on our commitment to equity and inclusion at the bottom of this page.
