Creative Expression Youth Program

For ADOPTEE, FOSTERED, & KINSHIP CARE (AFK) Youth

-What Parents are Saying-

“This is an amazing, one-of-a-kind, much needed resource for the foster care and adoption communities.”

“Love the crafts/artwork!!! Sewing, woodwork, painting, lots of mediums- great for creativity, learning new skills, things to talk about when she gets home, working with different adults, etc."

“LOVE THIS! AMAZING PROGRAM!”

“Programming specific to the challenges faced by adoptees is extremely rare, making this a priceless jewel. Our daughter loves going and seems to genuinely connect to the topics explored in each session. Heather and her crew are knowledgeable and compassionate with a clear zeal for this population.”

"This group is a catalyst to continue talking about adoption in a healthy way in our home."

“Thank you!”

"My daughter loves coming. She sees it as something special that she gets to do and enjoys being with other adults and children who were adopted as well."

"We appreciate Encompass and the time, energy, and effort they put into this group.”

"Our daughter's involvement in this group has paved the way to further discussions about how she views her adoption and given her a voice to share those thoughts and feelings with others in the group, as well as us (her family)."

“You are changing lives!”

What Makes Our Program Unique?

This therapeutic program was created as a way to build resilience and post-traumatic growth and to address issues that are common struggles for adopted, fostered, and kinship (AFK) youth. It’s for youth 7-12 years old (or best developmental fit). While the activities are fun and encourage creativity, the program is not intended as a play date or casual hang-out time. It is designed to work in conjunction with individual therapy as a way to continue learning and practicing skills with peers and mentors offering ample support. The program has been designed based on extensive research, personal lived experience, and years of work with many others who have lived experience. This knowledge was incorporated into key facets to offer families a truly unique program:

Program at a Glance:

It’s created, planned, and facilitated by an adult adoptee therapist, and adopted, fostered, kinshipped, and donor-conceived (AFK+D) adults assist as mentors to offer a high adult-to-youth ratio.
All mentors receive continual training focused on adoption related issues and trauma informed care by an adult adoptee therapist
It includes a curriculum specifically designed to enhance post-traumatic growth and build resiliency for AFK youth, specifically based on the study of concepts related to neuroscience and brain wise ways of helping children, as well as adoption specific issues and protective factors.
It combines elements of both a support group and a mentoring opportunity in a trauma-informed environment.
It incorporates artistic activities based on an understanding of art therapy concepts to increase curiosity, group engagement, ability to ask for help, fun, ability to see one’s self succeed, improved communication, self understanding, self expression/ reflection, empathy, time to practice positive social skills, and other learning.
It is specifically intended to double as respite and to give parents/caregivers time for themselves, their partner, and/or other youth at home. The duration of the program, which is 3 hours, was purposefully chosen to give parents/caregivers time to rest, have coffee with a friend, or go on a date with their partner. We understand the realness of blocked care and hope parents will take this opportunity for whatever they may need to take time to take care of themselves.
The group of youth attending is intentionally kept small to provide more individual time and attention for each child.

“Resilient children are made, not born.”

— Bruce Perry

Program Fee:

The fee Encompass charges families does not cover all expenses for this program. Encompass relies on donations to continue providing this program. If your child has aged out of our program, we ask that you continue to help others come by making a donation.

Fees go to purchasing an extensive variety of specialty arts and crafts materials for youth, games & books, program insurance, background checks for mentors, staff wages and training (especially trauma-informed learning & responses), utilities, cleaning supplies, and maintenance items.

The Resiliency Building Program is $65 (for 3 hrs @ $21/hr)
There is a $20 registration deposit fee, which will be taken out of the total cost. This is non-refundable if cancellation is required.
Cash, check, and credit card payments are accepted at the time of drop-off.
A sliding scale is offered for those in significant need - 1 child per home per program day only. Please use the contact form above to request a sliding scale form.
Help us continue to provide this program at this lower rate! Please donate funds, books, individually packaged snacks, juice boxes, paper towels, etc This helps us keep the program accessible for all families.

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