General Adoption Information Meeting (September 2025)
2025-09-06 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Join us for our General Adoption Information Meeting!
This meeting will be online. All registrants will receive the login information in a confirmation email at least 24 hours before the scheduled session. We look forward to connecting with you online!
Agency staff will describe each of our programs:

Domestic Infant Program
Older Child Adoption from Foster Care Program – Project Wait No Longer
Domestic Dual Program
International Program
Post-Adoption Support and Services

You will also hear from a family, who has completed the process speak about their experiences and answer questions.
Register Now!

Pre-Adoption Training (NTDC) (2025 September)
2025-09-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
NTDC is a pre-adoption class that is required for families considering adoption through Barker. Families must be available to attend all 3 virtual sessions (September 6th, 13th & 20th 9-3pm) to receive a certificate of completion. In addition, one virtual program specific session is required.
Are you ready to begin your adoption journey? Completing this training is great first step!
Pre-Adoption Training is intended to educate, support, and prepare families who will be adopting a child through the US foster care system, international or private domestic process. Families will enhance core competencies and gain skills to effectively parent children from a variety of different backgrounds, who have experienced trauma, separation and loss. Through shared learning with others and with the facilitation of an experienced professional and parent team, we believe that families can provide the healing environment that children need.
Register Now!

Important Information:

Completing this training is required to adopt.
Makeup sessions for classes missed due to an unexpected emergency may be made up at no cost with the following cohort, or on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the trainer/program, made available, individually, for an additional fee. These make-up sessions are not available for the first session of NTDC.
Participants missing more than one session (for any reason) will be disenrolled from the class and required to complete the entire training again at a time that better fits their schedule. It is strongly recommended that registrants arrange their schedules to accommodate being present at each class session.
Virtual sessions are held via a live/online platform. Participants must have their cameras turned on for the duration of the training in order to receive a certificate of completion.
Some material may not be suitable for children so we ask that any children that you may have not be present during any of the sessions.
For further questions about class and scheduling, please contact Tenisha Lusane: Tlusane@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
*Cancellation Policy*: Registrations may by cancelled up to 30 days before the start date of the registered session for a fee of $75. All fees are non-refundable within 30 days of the event.

Parents of Adopted Young Adults Monthly Discussion Group (September 2025)
2025-09-09 19:00 - 20:00 | MD
Join us for an evening of discussion and support! This discussion group is targeted to the needs of parents of young adults who are beyond high school age 18+, and will focus on issues related to young adulthood. The group is facilitated by a Barker staff social worker.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Tue, Sep 9, 2025 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Organizer: May Kipnis, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Let Us Know You’ll Be Joining!
While this group is free and open to all adoptive parents regardless of their connection to Barker, registration is required.
Register Now!

Workshop #5 – Exploring the Ethical Placement of Children into Residential Treatment Programs
2025-09-10 09:30 - 14:45 | MD
Ethical decision-making for residential treatment placements
Prioritizing children’s well-being through informed, values-based choices
Join, Jennifer Hannett, LCSW, RPT, a licensed clinical social worker for this live virtual workshop equips professionals and families to navigate the complex, sensitive path of out-of-home placements for children and youth who require residential or inpatient treatment.
Through presentations, case studies, and interactive exercises, you will:

Examine the impact of residential treatment on child outcomes
Learn family-centered engagement strategies
Analyze ethical considerations in placement decisions
Apply assessment tools to select appropriate programs

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 12:45 PM ET
Location: Live Virtual Training
Cost: $45
3 (CAT 1) CEUs in Ethics
Organizer: Virginia Downes, (301) 664-9664, vdownes@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Who This Is For

Child-welfare professionals & case managers
Social workers & therapists
Adoption & foster-care practitioners
Family advocates & administrators

About our Presenter:
Jennifer Hannett, LCSW, RPT is a licensed clinical social worker. Jennifer has greater than 20 years of experience working with vulnerable children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups in multiple roles and settings, including: adoption, therapeutic foster care, adolescent residential treatment, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and CPS. Jennifer works as a psychotherapist and has a passion for guiding others to find their natural strength and ability to heal from difficult and traumatic experiences in order to live happier and more fulfilling lives. Jennifer also serves as an Adjunct Faculty member with The Catholic University of America (CUA) and Simmons University schools of social workc
Register Now!

PWNL Families Parent Support Group (September 2025)
2025-09-10 19:00 - 20:15 | MD
Don’t miss Barker’s FREE Monthly Support Group for Adoptive Parents raising children and teens who have joined your family through Barker’s (PWNL) Project Wait No Longer Program.
Join us for an educational and supportive monthly discussion group. During these monthly groups, our expert facilitator will guide parents in valuable discussions and provide pieces of training that touch on essential concepts, including:

self-care
advocacy
grief/loss issues for teens related to adoption, and
trauma-attachment informed supportive strategies to help children and teens through their often challenging behaviors.

Barker’s PWNL Families Parent Support Group aims to provide a safe online space to connect with other adoptive parents who share similar experiences and to receive guidance from an adoption-competent counselor and adoptive parent. This group is being provided at no cost and is open to families who have adopted through Project Wait No Longer (PWNL). Connect, share stories, and learn together!
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed, Sep 10, 2025 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Organizer: Michelle Valdivia, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
While this support is free, registration is required. Space is limited. Please RSVP Today!
Register Now!

Pre-Adoption Training (NTDC) (2025 September)
2025-09-13 09:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
2025 September Pre-Adoption Training (NTDC)
September 13
@
9:00 am
–
3:00 pm

NTDC is a pre-adoption class that is required for families considering adoption through Barker. Families must be available to attend all 3 virtual sessions (September 6th, 13th & 20th 9-3pm) to receive a certificate of completion. In addition, one virtual program specific session is required.
Are you ready to begin your adoption journey? Completing this training is great first step!
Pre-Adoption Training is intended to educate, support, and prepare families who will be adopting a child through the US foster care system, international or private domestic process. Families will enhance core competencies and gain skills to effectively parent children from a variety of different backgrounds, who have experienced trauma, separation and loss. Through shared learning with others and with the facilitation of an experienced professional and parent team, we believe that families can provide the healing environment that children need.
Register Now!

Important Information:

Completing this training is required to adopt.
Makeup sessions for classes missed due to an unexpected emergency may be made up at no cost with the following cohort, or on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the trainer/program, made available, individually, for an additional fee. These make-up sessions are not available for the first session of NTDC.
Participants missing more than one session (for any reason) will be disenrolled from the class and required to complete the entire training again at a time that better fits their schedule. It is strongly recommended that registrants arrange their schedules to accommodate being present at each class session.
Virtual sessions are held via a live/online platform. Participants must have their cameras turned on for the duration of the training in order to receive a certificate of completion.
Some material may not be suitable for children so we ask that any children that you may have not be present during any of the sessions.
For further questions about class and scheduling, please contact Tenisha Lusane: Tlusane@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
*Cancellation Policy*: Registrations may by cancelled up to 30 days before the start date of the registered session for a fee of $75. All fees are non-refundable within 30 days of the event.

Birth Parent Monthly Discussion Group (September 2025)
2025-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | MD
This Group is open to anyone who has placed a child for adoption or is considering making an adoption plan. The purpose of the group is to provide a place where birth parents can talk about their experiences, and share their feelings and thoughts with others who have made the same decision. The group is facilitated by a Barker staff social worker.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed, Sep 17, 2025 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Organizer: May Kipnis, (301) 664-9664, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Let Us Know You’ll Be Joining!
While this group is free and open to all birth and expecting parents regardless of their connection to Barker, registration is required.
Register Now!

Adult Adoptee Monthly Discussion Group (September 2025)
2025-09-17 19:30 - 21:30 | MD
This discussion group is open to adoptees 18 years of age and older. The purpose of the group is to give adoptees an opportunity to discuss their feelings, concerns, and questions about being adopted.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed, Sep 17, 2025 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Organizer: May Kipnis, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Let Us Know You’ll Be Joining!
While this group is free and open to all adult adopted persons regardless of their connection to Barker, registration is required.
Register Now!

International Adoption Information Meeting (September 2025)
2025-09-17 20:00 - 21:00 | MD
We invite you to sign up for Barker’s FREE information meeting focused solely on our International Adoption Programs & Services if you are exploring international adoption. Learn more about your adoption options, our country programs, home study, and post-placement services.
Join us virtually on Wednesday, September 17th from 8 PM to 9 PM to learn more about our country programs as well as details on the children in need of adoptive families within each country, services we provide if you are out of the area, and answers to your questions.
During this informative session, our experienced adoption professionals will cover various topics, including:

The international adoption process.
Barker’s country programs.
The eligibility criteria.
The necessary paperwork involved.
Barker’s home study and post-placement services

You will also get the chance to hear from a family who has successfully adopted a child internationally. Whether you’re just beginning your adoption journey or have already started the process, this meeting will provide you with valuable resources and support.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed, Sep 17, 2025 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Organizer: Kelli Olive, (301) 664-9664, kolive@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Register Now!

Older Child Adoption Information Meeting (September 2025)
2025-09-18 18:30 - 19:30 | MD
Join us for a free online Information Meeting to discuss adoption from foster care on September 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM ET. Learn about Barker’s services and hear the real-life experiences of children from foster care and the families who adopted them.
Barker is unique in offering a full range of services after adoption to support you and your adopted child for a lifetime, has a stellar reputation, and has been active for over 75 years, one of the oldest agencies in the U.S.. Join us to learn more!
There are over 100,000 children who are presently legally available for adoption in the United States and in need of safe and loving forever homes.
Older children are often stigmatized, and potential families may worry about their capacity to care for a child who has experienced significant trauma. Barker provides a high level of support which begins from the pre-adoption trainings and continues through post-placement and finalization. While it is true that challenges may arise, there is joy and great reward in older child adoption. There are families who are open to adopting children from foster care, but few know of the options available to them to adopt through a private agency with lifelong services and supports.
Attend Barker’s free information meeting and panel presentation lead by our older child adoption from foster care program team – Project Wait No Longer.
Hear directly from families who have adopted older children from foster care. Be inspired by the stories of perseverance that will be shared by adoptees themselves! If you want to learn more about how you can become a forever family for a waiting child, this session is for you.
Facilitated by adoption expert: Saara McEachnie, LICSW, LCSW-C.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Thu, Sep 18, 2025 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Organizer: Marilyn Rippetoe, mrippetoe@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Register Now!

Barker’s Annual Picnic
2025-10-05 12:00 - 15:00 | Wheaton Claridge Park, 11901 Claridge Rd, Wheaton, Maryland, 20902
A Community Celebration for Families, Friends & Supporters
Join us as we celebrate 80 years of impact, connection, and community.
Join us for laughter and connection at Wheaton Claridge Park for Barker’s beloved Annual Picnic – a family favorite filled with fun! With activities for all ages — from little ones to grown-ups — come reconnect with old friends and make new friends too! There’s something for everyone. This event is FREE, but registration is required to attend. Don’t miss it – we can’t wait to see you there!
What to Expect:

Casual games and activities for all ages
Time to relax and connect
Food and refreshments
A celebration of Barker’s 80 years!

Date: October 5, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Wheaton Claridge Park
Free to attend, but registration required.
Register Now!

General Adoption Information Meeting (October 2025)
2025-10-06 18:30 - 20:30 | MD
Join us for our General Adoption Information Meeting!
This meeting will be online. All registrants will receive the login information in a confirmation email at least 24 hours before the scheduled session. We look forward to connecting with you online!
Agency staff will describe each of our programs:

Domestic Infant Program
Older Child Adoption from Foster Care Program – Project Wait No Longer
Domestic Dual Program
International Program
Post-Adoption Support and Services

You will also hear from a family, who has completed the process speak about their experiences and answer questions.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Mon, Oct 6, 2025 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Organizer: Saara McEachnie , LCSW‑C, LICSW, (301) 664-9664, info@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

Parents of Adopted Young Adults Monthly Discussion Group (October 2025)
2025-10-14 19:00 - 20:00 | MD
Join us for an evening of discussion and support! This discussion group is targeted to the needs of parents of young adults who are beyond high school age 18+, and will focus on issues related to young adulthood. The group is facilitated by a Barker staff social worker.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Tue, Oct 14, 2025 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Organizer: May Kipnis, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Let Us Know You’ll Be Joining!
While this group is free and open to all adoptive parents regardless of their connection to Barker, registration is required.
Register Now!

Adult Adoptee Monthly Discussion Group (October 2025)
2025-10-15 19:30 - 21:30 | MD
This discussion group is open to adoptees 18 years of age and older. The purpose of the group is to give adoptees an opportunity to discuss their feelings, concerns, and questions about being adopted.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed, Oct 15, 2025 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Organizer: May Kipnis, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Let Us Know You’ll Be Joining!
While this group is free and open to all adult adopted persons regardless of their connection to Barker, registration is required.
Register Now!

Workshop #6 – Adoption After Infertility: Presentation & Panel Discussion
2025-10-17 09:30 - 12:45 | MD
Navigating loss, embracing new beginnings
This powerful CEU workshop explores how to ethically and effectively support families transitioning from infertility to adoption.
The first half features Dr. Anna Koehle, a trauma-informed child welfare expert and adoptive parent.
She will offer practical guidance on:

Assessing adoption readiness
Addressing grief and loss
Debunking common myths
Creating strong aftercare plans

The second half features a heartfelt panel of adoptive parents, who will share personal stories of loss, hope, and the profound transformation that adoption brought to their lives.
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:45 PM ET
Cost: $45
Location: Virtual (Live)
CEUs: 3 (CAT 1) CEU Credits
Organizer: Virginia Downes, (301) 664-9664, vdownes@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
About our Speaker:
Dr. Koehle is a trauma-informed child welfare expert and an adoption/infertility consultant with extensive experience in CPS, foster care, and adoption. Dr. Koehle dedicates her work to transformative advocacy in child welfare, is an adoptive parent and the author of Identity’s A Practical Guide: Adoption After Infertility.
Register Now!

Pre-Adoption Training (NTDC) (2025 October/November)
2025-10-18 09:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-25 09:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-01 09:00 - 15:00 | MD
NTDC is a pre-adoption class that is required for families considering adoption through Barker. Families must be available to attend all 3 virtual sessions (October 18th, October 25th & November 1st) to receive a certificate of completion. In addition, one virtual program specific session is required.
Are you ready to begin your adoption journey? Completing this training is great first step!
Pre-Adoption Training is intended to educate, support, and prepare families who will be adopting a child through the US foster care system, international or private domestic process. Families will enhance core competencies and gain skills to effectively parent children from a variety of different backgrounds, who have experienced trauma, separation and loss. Through shared learning with others and with the facilitation of an experienced professional and parent team, we believe that families can provide the healing environment that children need.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Sat, Oct 18, 2025 9:00 AM – Sat, Nov 1, 2025 3:00 PM
Organizer: Tenisha Lusane, (301) 664-9664, tlusane@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Register Now!
Important Information:

Completing this training is required to adopt.
Makeup sessions for classes missed due to an unexpected emergency may be made up at no cost with the following cohort, or on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the trainer/program, made available, individually, for an additional fee. These make-up sessions are not available for the first session of NTDC.
Participants missing more than one session (for any reason) will be disenrolled from the class and required to complete the entire training again at a time that better fits their schedule. It is strongly recommended that registrants arrange their schedules to accommodate being present at each class session.
Virtual sessions are held via a live/online platform. Participants must have their cameras turned on for the duration of the training in order to receive a certificate of completion.
Some material may not be suitable for children so we ask that any children that you may have not be present during any of the sessions.
For further questions about class and scheduling, please contact Tenisha Lusane: Tlusane@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
*Cancellation Policy*: Registrations may by cancelled up to 30 days before the start date of the registered session for a fee of $75. All fees are non-refundable within 30 days of the event.

Birth Parent Monthly Discussion Group (October 2025)
2025-10-22 19:00 - 21:00 | MD
This Group is open to anyone who has placed a child for adoption or is considering making an adoption plan. The purpose of the group is to provide a place where birth parents can talk about their experiences, and share their feelings and thoughts with others who have made the same decision. The group is facilitated by a Barker staff social worker.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed, Oct 22, 2025 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Organizer: May Kipnis, (301) 664-9664, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Let Us Know You’ll Be Joining!
While this group is free and open to all birth and expecting parents regardless of their connection to Barker, registration is required.
Register Now!

Sundays at Barker: Meet-Up for Parents with Young Children (Infant to 6) (October 2025)
2025-10-26 09:30 - 11:00 | Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Sundays at Barker is a special monthly gathering for adoptive parents and their children (infants to age 6). It’s a chance to enjoy playful activities, build connections with other families, and feel supported by the Barker community.
This free program is open to all adoptive families—no prior connection with Barker is needed.
Please feel free to share this event with friends or family who may benefit from attending.
Location: The Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Rd, 1st floor, Bethesda, MD 20814
Date and time: Sun, Oct 26, 2025 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Organizer: Cynthia Cubbage, ccubbage@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Register Now!

PWNL Families Parent Support Group (October 2025)
2025-10-29 19:00 - 20:15 | MD
Barker’s PWNL Families Parent Support Group aims to provide a safe online space to connect with other adoptive parents who share similar experiences and to receive guidance from an adoption-competent counselor and adoptive parent. This group is being provided at no cost and is open to families who have adopted through Project Wait No Longer (PWNL). Connect, share stories, and learn together!
Join us for an educational and supportive monthly discussion group. During these monthly groups, our expert facilitator will guide parents in valuable discussions and provide pieces of training that touch on essential concepts, including:

self-care
advocacy
grief/loss issues for teens related to adoption, and
trauma-attachment informed supportive strategies to help children and teens through their often challenging behaviors.

Barker’s PWNL Families Parent Support Group aims to provide a safe online space to connect with other adoptive parents who share similar experiences and to receive guidance from an adoption-competent counselor and adoptive parent. This group is being provided at no cost and is open to families who have adopted through Project Wait No Longer (PWNL). Connect, share stories, and learn together!
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed, Oct 8, 2025 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Organizer: Michelle Valdivia, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
While this support is free, registration is required. Space is limited. Please RSVP Today!
Register Now!

80 Years of Barker — Then. Now. Always.
2025-11-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814, 4908 Auburn Avenue,, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
On Saturday, November 1st, from 6:00–9:00 p.m., we invite you to join us at Imagination Stage in Bethesda for a night filled with joy, reflection, and community as we celebrate Barker’s 80th Anniversary.
For eight decades, Barker has stood as a place where families are formed, stories are honored, people are respected, and everyone touched by adoption finds understanding, belonging, and care. The evening will bring together friends, families, and supporters to celebrate our rich history and ensure our services remain strong for generations to come.
✨ Evening Agenda:

5:45 p.m. — Registration
6:00 p.m. — Reception
7:00 p.m. — Program
8:00 p.m. — Celebration

Purchase Tickets!

✨ With special guest Alison Larkin
We are excited to welcome back Alison Larkin—a Barker adoptee, internationally acclaimed comedian, bestselling author, and award-winning audiobook narrator—as our featured performer for the 80th Anniversary Celebration.
Alison will speak and share excerpts from her hit solo show Grief…A Comedy with music by Emmy Award–winning composer Gary Schreiner, bringing both laughter and hope to our evening.
Alison’s story and artistry embody the spirit of Barker: resilience, connection, and the power of community.

✨ The evening also includes:
A Raise-the-Paddle Fundraiser, giving every guest the chance to directly support Barker’s mission and make a lasting impact for children, families, and the entire adoption constellation. Community, connection, and celebration, as we look back with gratitude and forward with hope.
This is an adult only event – consider it Cocktail Casual. Dress up but come comfortable! No stuffy ballrooms or banquet tables. Think high-tops, passed apps, drinks, a beautiful program, and dessert to follow.
This is a night of honoring the past while investing in the future. Whether you attend in person or join virtually, your presence helps keep Barker’s services available to all who need them.

✨ Important details:

Adults only | Cocktail attire
Livestream tickets available for those unable to attend in person
Tickets: $180 Individual | $80 Virtual

Unable to attend?
You can still make a meaningful gift at Barker’s website.
Sponsorship packages, program ad space, and tributes are available for purchase. Please contact development@BarkerFoundation.org for more information.
Together, let’s raise a glass—and raise our paddles—to the next 80 years.

General Adoption Information Meeting (November 2025)
2025-11-03 18:30 - 20:30 | MD
Join us for our General Adoption Information Meeting!
This meeting will be online. All registrants will receive the login information in a confirmation email at least 24 hours before the scheduled session. We look forward to connecting with you online!
Agency staff will describe each of our programs:

Domestic Infant Program
Older Child Adoption from Foster Care Program – Project Wait No Longer
Domestic Dual Program
International Program
Post-Adoption Support and Services

You will also hear from a family, who has completed the process speak about their experiences and answer questions.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Mon, Nov 3, 2025 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Organizer: Saara Mceachnie, (301) 664-9664, info@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

Join us at Wonderland Books during National Adoption Awareness Month!
2025-11-08 10:00 - 11:00 | MD
Join us at Wonderland Books during National Adoption Awareness Month! Bring the family for morning stories with friends.
Our friend and author Tom Tracy will share from his book Wonderfully You and more. Afterwards, stick around for book signing and a chance to meet other adoptive parents and adoptees.
Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Wonderland Books | 7920B Norfolk Avenue | Bethesda, MD
This event is free—just sign up to save your spot.
Register for this Event!

Parents of Adopted Young Adults Monthly Discussion Group (November 2025)
2025-11-11 19:00 - 20:00 | MD
Join us for an evening of discussion and support! This discussion group is targeted to the needs of parents of young adults who are beyond high school age 18+, and will focus on issues related to young adulthood. The group is facilitated by a Barker staff social worker.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Tue, Nov 11, 2025 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Organizer: May Kipnis, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Let Us Know You’ll Be Joining!
While this group is free and open to all adoptive parents regardless of their connection to Barker, registration is required.
Register Now!

PWNL Families Parent Support Group (November 2025)
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:15 | MD
Barker’s PWNL Families Parent Support Group aims to provide a safe online space to connect with other adoptive parents who share similar experiences and to receive guidance from an adoption-competent counselor and adoptive parent. This group is being provided at no cost and is open to families who have adopted through Project Wait No Longer (PWNL). Connect, share stories, and learn together!
Join us for an educational and supportive monthly discussion group. During these monthly groups, our expert facilitator will guide parents in valuable discussions and provide pieces of training that touch on essential concepts, including:

self-care
advocacy
grief/loss issues for teens related to adoption, and
trauma-attachment informed supportive strategies to help children and teens through their often challenging behaviors.

Barker’s PWNL Families Parent Support Group aims to provide a safe online space to connect with other adoptive parents who share similar experiences and to receive guidance from an adoption-competent counselor and adoptive parent. This group is being provided at no cost and is open to families who have adopted through Project Wait No Longer (PWNL). Connect, share stories, and learn together!
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed, Nov 12, 2025 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Organizer: Michelle Valdivia, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
While this support is free, registration is required. Space is limited. Please RSVP Today!
Register Now!

Sundays at Barker: Meet-Up for Parents with Young Children (Infant to 6) (November 2025)
2025-11-16 09:30 - 11:00 | Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Sundays at Barker is a special monthly gathering for adoptive parents and their children (infants to age 6). It’s a chance to enjoy playful activities, build connections with other families, and feel supported by the Barker community.
This free program is open to all adoptive families—no prior connection with Barker is needed.
Please feel free to share this event with friends or family who may benefit from attending.
Location: The Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Rd, 1st floor, Bethesda, MD 20814
Date and time: Sun, Nov 16, 2025 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Organizer: Cynthia Cubbage, ccubbage@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Register Now!

Birth Parent Monthly Discussion Group (November 2025)
2025-11-19 19:00 - 21:00 | MD
This Group is open to anyone who has placed a child for adoption or is considering making an adoption plan. The purpose of the group is to provide a place where birth parents can talk about their experiences, and share their feelings and thoughts with others who have made the same decision. The group is facilitated by a Barker staff social worker.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed, Nov 19, 2025 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Organizer: May Kipnis, (301) 664-9664, mkipnis@barkeradoptionfoundation.org
Let Us Know You’ll Be Joining!
While this group is free and open to all birth and expecting parents regardless of their connection to Barker, registration is required.
Register Now!
