We know that finding a support group can be key to a family's success in parenting an adopted, foster, or internationally hosted child. We want to make “finding a support group” easier for families, so as we find faith-based support groups, we are adding them to this map of Minnesota and bordering communities.
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GROUPS
EMBRACE
family
Embrace Family Groups
Woodbury-East
Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month.
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Shepherd of the Valley Church
14107 Hudson Road South
Afton, Minnesota 55001
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7:00 - 9:00pm
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Contact
Jennifer: EmbraceFamilyMN@gmail.com
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Maplewood- South
Meets the 1st Monday of the month.
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Woodland Hills Church
1740 Van Dyke Street
St. Paul, MN 55109
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6:00 - 8:00pm
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Contact
Jennifer: EmbraceFamilyMN@gmail.com
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Woodbury-South
Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month.
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Five Oaks Church
4416 Radio Drive
Woodbury, MN 55129
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6:30 - 8:00pm
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Contact
Jennifer: EmbraceFamilyMN@gmail.com
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Maplewood-North
Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month.
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Panera Bread
2965 White Bear Ave Maplewood, MN 55109
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7:00 - 9:00pm
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Contact
Stephanie: TheSmidts06@gmail.com
Oakdale
Meets the 4th Wednesday of the month.
Oakdale Library
1010 Heron Ave N
Oakdale, MN 55128
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1:00 - 3:00pm
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Contact
Jennifer: EmbraceFamilyMN@gmail.com
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This is our school year schedule. We also have special events, like a movie review, special speakers or a related area event.
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During the summer, we have at least 1 social/month
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Parents can attend any of these events that they find helpful. Parents are not “assigned” to a particular location.
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Each meeting has time for education, discussion & support.
Embrace Family Partnerships
Lake Elmo
Embrace Family has formed a partnership with Rockpoint Adoptive and Foster Family Support ministry (RAFFS) at Rockpoint Church.
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Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month
Rockpoint Church
5825 Kelvin Ave N
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
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6:30 - 8:30pm
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Contact
Cheri: rjjcdj@gmail.com
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Other Groups
Patiently Waiting
–Fridley, Savage
http://www.patientlywaiting.org
Patiently Waiting is a volunteer-run infertility and adoption non-profit.
Our mission is to share resources, information and provide biblical support for those going through the journey of infertility, adoption, foster care, and miscarriage. Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Location: The Nest: 7671 Central Ave, NE Suite 105, Fridley, MN 55432
Contact:
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Foster and Adoptive Parents Together!
–Shoreview
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A diverse group of individuals who have chosen to care for the orphaned that seek relationships with other like-minded people in order to guide and sustain one another through the journey of foster and adoptive care.
Location: River of Life Church, 4294 Hodgson Rd, Shoreview, MN 55126
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Contact:
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Urban Refuge Church
– Minneapolis area
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The goal of the Urban Refuge Adoption and Foster Care Group is to support and encourage each other through the adoption or foster care journey. The group welcomes all individuals or families who are at any stage of adopting or fostering to join. The meetings always begin with a potluck style meal, followed by a time of discussion for the adults and activities for the children.
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Contact:
adoptedfamilies@theurbanrefuge.com
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Village 127 at Constance Free Church
– Andover
village127 is a community of believers who have been touched by the biblical call to care for orphans in their distress. (James 1:27) Our heart is to work together to educate, engage, and encourage anyone who has an interest in orphan care, adoption, or foster care. We believe the Church (locally and abroad) is called to be an integral part of the village that it takes to raise a child. Adoptive and waiting families gather the first Friday of every month for support, education, and fellowship. We also have Bible Studies, retreats and other events throughout the year.
Contact:
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Evermore Community
- Loretto
https://www.evermorecommunity.org/
Evermore Community was created to provide adoptive families with the village they need. Our vision is to be a community of like-minded, Christ-centered people who are committed to being the hands and feet of Jesus. Our goal is to advocate for and support children and families on this lifelong adventure of foster care and adoption. This is accomplished through providing a variety of services to support the whole family. Evermore Community offers counseling and life coaching, support groups, education, and respite care for adoptive and foster families.
Location: Bien Aime Farm, 6015 Harff Road, Loretto, MN, 55357
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Contact:
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Imago Hearts
–Prior Lake
Through seminars, classes, and coaching they help parents and caregivers develop the insight and capacities they need to engage their children with more reasonable expectations and greater empathy. They introduce and promote parenting strategies designed to bring healing to the heart, mind, and soul of a child wounded by neglect, abuse, and relational trauma. They currently work in Minnesota, Ukraine, and Russia.
Contact:
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