These organizations were instrumental in my own journey. While every story is unique, I hope these resources offer you the same comfort and clarity they provided me.
Please note that while there are countless organizations and communities doing incredible work, this list represents my personal starting point. As I continue to work on my website—and myself—I will keep adding more. Check back often as this space grows.
Adoptee & First Parent Perspectives
- Concerned United Birthparents (CUB): Adoption loss grief support, education, advocacy, and community for parents who’ve lost children to adoption.
- National Association of Adoptees & Birthparents (naap): Unifies the adoption community and elevates our diverse voices by promoting dialogue, understanding, and healing through education, awareness, and connection.
- Adoptees On: An illuminating podcast that centers adoptee stories to help others grasp the lifelong complexities and far-reaching realities of the adoption journey.
Navigating Child Loss & Grief
- The Compassionate Friends: A nationwide organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved parents and siblings.
- MISS Foundation: Provides C.A.R.E. (Counseling, Advocacy, Research, and Education) for families experiencing the death of a child.
Understanding Disenfranchised Grief
- What’s Your Grief?: A relatable, down-to-earth resource that explores all types of loss, including the “ambiguous” grief often felt in adoption.
- Ambiguous Loss: A concept coined by Dr. Pauline Boss in the 1970s. It involves losing someone emotionally while they are physically present (e.g., dementia, addiction) or losing someone physically while they are psychologically present (e.g., missing person, adoption, divorce).
- Option B: Founded by Sheryl Sandberg, this community offers specific resources for “non-traditional” grief and building resilience.