BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Barker Adoption Foundation - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Barker Adoption Foundation REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T110000 DTSTAMP:20260812T175944Z CREATED:20260812T175944Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T175944Z UID:10000505-1788598800-1788606000@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:General Adoption Information Meeting (September) DESCRIPTION:Exploring adoption? This is the right place to start. Join us for a free\, virtual General Adoption Information Meeting. \nAgency staff will describe each of our programs: \n\nDomestic Infant Program\nOlder Child Adoption from Foster Care Program (Project Wait No Longer)\nDomestic Dual Program\nInternational Program\nPost-Adoption Support and Services\n\nYou will also hear from a family\, who has completed the process speak about their experiences and answer questions. \nLocation: Virtual event \nDate and time: Sat\, Sep 5\, 2026 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM \nRegister Now! URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/general-adoption-information-meeting-sept-5/ CATEGORIES:Free Meetings,General Adoption Information Meeting,Prospective Parent Domestic Adoption,Prospective Parent International Adoption,Prospective Parent Project Wait No Longer-Older Child Adoption from Foster Care ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/General-Adoption-Meeting.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T163000 DTSTAMP:20260718T145937Z CREATED:20260117T213745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260718T145937Z UID:10000451-1788602400-1788625800@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:Considerations in Transracial Adoption Training DESCRIPTION:During this workshop\, pre-adoptive parents considering transracial adoption or parents already parenting transracially will be provided with the necessary tools to begin thinking about the obligations they have\, as parents\, to their transracially adopted children. \nLocation: Virtual event \nDate and time: Sat\, Sep 5\, 2026 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM \nOrganizer: Virginia Downes\, (301) 664-9664\, vdownes@barkerfoundation.org \nRegister Now! URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/considerations-in-transracial-adoption-training-5/ CATEGORIES:Prospective Adoptive Parent Training,Prospective Parent Domestic Adoption,Prospective Parent International Adoption,Prospective Parent Project Wait No Longer-Older Child Adoption from Foster Care ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Barker-Adoption-Foundation-Logo-800.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260908T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260908T203000 DTSTAMP:20260718T150010Z CREATED:20260119T210018Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260718T150010Z UID:10000471-1788894000-1788899400@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:Parents of Adopted Young Adults Monthly Discussion Group (September 2026) DESCRIPTION: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. \nLocation: Virtual event \nDate and time: Tue\, Sep 8\, 2026 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM \nOrganizer: Elana Lindner\, elindner@barkerfoundation.org \nRegister Now! URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/parents-of-adopted-young-adults-monthly-discussion-group-september-2026-8/ CATEGORIES:Adoptive Parent,Support/Discussion Groups ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Barker-Events-Parents-of-YonugAdoptedAdults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T201500 DTSTAMP:20260406T001518Z CREATED:20251116T225455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T001518Z UID:10000419-1788980400-1788984900@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:PWNL/Older Child Discussion Group (Sep) DESCRIPTION:This group is open to any parent that has adopted a child ages 5 and up\, or who has been matched/placed through Project Wait No Longer (PWNL). \nTo learn more or register\, please contact Michelle Valdivia – mvaldivia@barkerfoundation.org URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/pwnl-families-parent-support-group-sep-2026/ CATEGORIES:Adoptive Parent,Support/Discussion Groups ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PWNL-Families-Parent-Discussion-Group.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T124500 DTSTAMP:20260312T182233Z CREATED:20260312T182233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T182233Z UID:10000494-1789032600-1789044300@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:Exploring Therapeutic Approaches for Adopted Children and Youth DESCRIPTION:This workshop will provide attendees with a high-level overview of several therapeutic approaches commonly used with adopted children and youth. The training will explore how different models address attachment\, trauma\, emotional regulation\, and relational healing\, with attention to the unique needs of adopted children and their families. The workshop will highlight both potential benefits and important considerations in adoption-related work to support informed and thoughtful clinical decision-making. \nTherapeutic models explored will include: \n\nDyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)\nTrauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)\nAttachment\, Regulation\, and Competency Framework (ARC)\nFamily Systems Therapy\, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)\nAlert Program\nEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)\nDevelopmental\, Individual-Differences\, and Relationship-Based Floortime Model (DIR)\n\nAbout our presenter: \nThis training will be provided by the Barker post-adoption therapy team\, led by Cynthia Cubbage\, LCSW-C\, LICSW.  Cynthia brings over 20 years of experience of providing clinical therapy for children and adolescents. She is also an adoptive parent of two children and is deeply passionate about ensuring families receive the clinical support they need to thrive. \nDate: September 10th\, 2026\nTime: 9:30am – 12:45pm\nLocation: Online\nCEU’s: 3 CAT I CEU’s\nCost: $45 \nRegister Now! URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/exploring-therapeutic-approaches-for-adopted-children-and-youth/ LOCATION:Barker Adoption Foundation\, 7979 Old Georgetown Road\, Bethesda\, MD\, 20814\, United States CATEGORIES:Continuing Education Units (CEUs),Professional ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Exploring-Therapeutic-Approaches-for-Adopted-Children-Youth.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T203000 DTSTAMP:20260119T203230Z CREATED:20260119T203027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T203230Z UID:10000461-1789066800-1789072200@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:Birth Parent Monthly Discussion Group (September 2026) DESCRIPTION: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. \nLocation: Virtual event \nDate and time: Thu\, Sep 10\, 2026 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM \nOrganizer: Elana Lindner\, (301) 664-9664\, elindner@barkerfoundation.org \nRegister Now! URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/birth-parent-monthly-discussion-group-september-2026/ CATEGORIES:Birth Parent,Support/Discussion Groups ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Barker-Event-Birth-Parent-DiscussionGroup.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T160000 DTSTAMP:20260814T030902Z CREATED:20260814T030714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T030902Z UID:10000506-1789223400-1789228800@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:Barker Open House: Taking It on the Road — Northern Virginia DESCRIPTION:Curious about adoption? \nStart with information. Barker is taking our Open House on the road and coming to Northern Virginia! Join us in Chantilly for a welcoming\, informative afternoon where you can meet the Barker team\, explore adoption pathways\, ask questions\, and learn more about the support available to you. \nWhether you’re just beginning to consider adoption or ready to learn about next steps\, come as you are. No pressure—just trusted information\, conversation\, and a place to start. Space is limited. Save your spot today! \nLocation: Sully District Governmental Center\, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd\, Chantilly\, VA 20151 \nDate and time: Sat\, Sep 12\, 2026 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM \nOrganizer: The Barker Adoption Foundation\, (301) 664-9664\, tlusane@barkerfoundation.org \nRegister Now! URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/barker-open-house-taking-it-on-the-road-northern-virginia/ CATEGORIES:General Adoption Information Meeting,Prospective Parent Domestic Adoption,Prospective Parent International Adoption,Prospective Parent Project Wait No Longer-Older Child Adoption from Foster Care,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Barker-2026-VA-Open-House.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260915 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260917 DTSTAMP:20260914T231857Z CREATED:20260406T002303Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T231857Z UID:10000499-1789430400-1789603199@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:2026 Barker's Phone-A-Thon DESCRIPTION:Barker’s 2026 Phone-A-Thon\nSeptember 14–20\, 2026\n\nAbout Barker’s Phone-A-Thon \nOur annual Phone-A-Thon is an opportunity to reconnect with the community that makes Barker’s work possible. \nThroughout the week of September 14–20\, Barker volunteers will reach out to donors\, families\, alumni\, volunteers\, and friends to share updates\, express appreciation\, and strengthen relationships that sustain our mission. \nOn Tuesday\, September 15 and Wednesday\, September 16\, volunteers will join Barker staff in the office to help make calls and support outreach efforts. \nEvery conversation helps strengthen our community. Every gift to Barker’s Annual Fund helps ensure Barker’s trusted programs and services remain available and accessible to children\, families\, and individuals who need them today—and for generations to come. \n \n MAKE A GIFT\n \n \nPart of Barker’s 2026 Annual Fund\nPhone-A-Thon is one way our community comes together to support Barker’s larger Annual Fund. \nAnnual Fund gifts help bridge the gap between what program fees\, insurance reimbursements\, grants and other funding cover and what it actually takes to provide Barker’s programs and services. \nThis year\, eligible Annual Fund gifts are being matched\, with a special 2:1 match for first-time donors through September 30. \n \n LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ANNUAL FUND\n \nWhy Your Time Matters\nPhone-A-Thon is about more than making calls. \nIt’s about reminding our community that Barker is here—offering trusted guidance\, compassionate support\, and lifelong services that strengthen families and honor every story. \nThe relationships we build during Phone-A-Thon help sustain the philanthropic support provided through Barker’s Annual Fund\, allowing Barker to continue serving children\, families\, adoptees\, birth parents\, and professionals for years to come. \nNo fundraising or volunteer experience is required! We’ll provide everything you need\, including training\, conversation guides\, and support throughout your shift. \nVolunteer Role\nYour time\, your voice\, and your support can make a lasting impact.\nCaller\nCall Barker families\, supporters\, and community members using Barker office phones. You’ll follow a simple conversation guide and help us reconnect with members of our community. \nGreat for: Friendly\, outgoing volunteers who enjoy conversation. \n \n Join Us for Barker’s Phone-A-Thon\n \nShifts & Expectations\nAll volunteer shifts take place in person at Barker’s office on Tuesday\, September 15 and Wednesday\, September 16. \nVolunteers may register for one or multiple shifts based on their availability. \nShift Times\nMorning10:00 AM – Noon \nAfternoon2:00 PM – 4:00 PM \nEvening6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \nPrior to your shift\, you’ll receive: \n\n\nA brief orientation \n\n\nCall scripts and conversation guides \n\n\nContact lists and materials \n\n\nStaff support throughout your shift \n\n\nLight refreshments \n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions\n Do I need previous experience? \nNot at all. Barker staff will provide training\, conversation guides\, and support before your shift begins. \n Where does the Phone-A-Thon take place? \nAll volunteer shifts are held at Barker’s office (7979 Old Georgetown Road\, First Floor\, Bethesda\, MD 20814) and you’ll be using Barker phones and materials. \n Can I volunteer with a friend? \nYes! We welcome individuals\, friends\, family members\, and colleagues to volunteer together. Please have your guest complete their own registration\, or email development@barkerfoundation.org with their name and contact information so we can do our best to schedule you together. \n Do I have to make fundraising asks? \nYes. Many of the calls will include an invitation to support Barker’s 2026 Annual Fund. Volunteers will receive training\, a conversation guide\, and staff support throughout their shift\, so no prior fundraising experience is required. Some are also an opportunity to express gratitude and reconnect with members of the Barker community. \n Can I volunteer for more than one shift? \nYes! We’d love to have you join us for multiple shifts if your schedule allows. \n Register to Volunteer \nThank you for considering volunteering with Barker’s 2026 Phone-A-Thon. \nYour time and generosity help strengthen the relationships that sustain Barker’s mission and support the Annual Fund\, ensuring Barker’s programs and services remain available to the children\, families\, and individuals we serve. \nPlease complete the registration form to select your preferred volunteer role and availability. A Barker team member will follow up with your confirmed schedule and next steps. \nQuestions? \nWe’re happy to help. \ndevelopment@barkerfoundation.org URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/2026-barkers-phone-a-thon/ LOCATION:Barker Adoption Foundation\, 7979 Old Georgetown Road\, Bethesda\, MD\, 20814\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Barker-2026-Phone-A-Thon-landscape-graphic-Desktop-Hero-1920-x-1080-px-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T210000 DTSTAMP:20251224T154423Z CREATED:20251110T223405Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251224T154423Z UID:10000405-1789587000-1789592400@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:Adult Adoptee Discussion Group (September 2026) DESCRIPTION: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. \nLocation: Virtual event \nDate and time: Wed Sep 16\, 2026 – 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM \nOrganizer: Victoria Alves\, (301) 664-9664\, valves@barkerfoundation.org \nRegister Now! URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/adult-adoptee-discussion-group-september-2026/ CATEGORIES:Adult Adoptee,Support/Discussion Groups ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Barker-Event-Adult-Adoptee.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T210000 DTSTAMP:20260616T192918Z CREATED:20260117T210057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T192918Z UID:10000442-1789588800-1789592400@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:International Adoption Information Meeting (September) DESCRIPTION: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. \nLocation: Virtual event \nDate and time: Wed\, Sep 16\, 2026 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM \nOrganizer: Kelli Olive\, (301) 664-9664\, kolive@barkerfoundation.org \nRegister Now! URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/international-adoption-information-meeting-september/ CATEGORIES:Free Meetings,International Information Meeting,Prospective Parent International Adoption ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/International-Adoption-Event.png ORGANIZER;CN="Barker Adoption Foundation":MAILTO:info@barkeradoptionfoundation.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T193000 DTSTAMP:20260616T193151Z CREATED:20260117T211200Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T193151Z UID:10000446-1789669800-1789673400@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:Older Child Adoption from Foster Care Information Meeting (September) DESCRIPTION: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 those with lived experience and be inspired by the stories of perseverance that will be shared by individuals touched by adoption! If you want to learn more about how you can become a family for a waiting child\, this session is for you. \nLocation: Virtual event \nDate and time: Thu\, Sep 17\, 2026 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM \nOrganizer: Marilyn Rippetoe\, mrippetoe@barkerfoundation.org \nRegister Now! URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/older-child-adoption-from-foster-care-information-meeting-september/ CATEGORIES:Free Meetings,Older Child Information Meeting,Prospective Parent Project Wait No Longer-Older Child Adoption from Foster Care ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PWNL-Information-Meeting.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260919T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260919T150000 DTSTAMP:20260120T224306Z CREATED:20260117T212059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T224306Z UID:10000449-1789808400-1789830000@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:2026 Pre Adoption Training (NTDC) September DESCRIPTION:The National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) is a nationally recognized\, evidence-based program that prepares you for the lifelong journey of adoption. Required for all prospective Barker adoptive parents\, the course covers core adoption concepts\, trauma and loss\, and strategies for supporting children from diverse backgrounds. Led by professionals and adoptive parents. Participants must be able to join all three sessions in their cohort. September \nSeptember NTDC Sessions will run: \n\nSeptember 19 \nSeptember 26 \nOctober 3\n\n\nTime: 9 AM–3 PM ET \nLocation: Virtual event \nDate and time: Sat\, Sep 19\, 2026 9:00 AM ET \nOrganizer: Tenisha Lusane\, (301) 664-9664\, tlusane@barkerfoundation.org \nRegister Now! URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/2026-pre-adoption-training-ntdc-september/ CATEGORIES:Pre-Adoption Training (NTDC),Prospective Parent Domestic Adoption,Prospective Parent International Adoption,Prospective Parent Project Wait No Longer-Older Child Adoption from Foster Care ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Barker-Adoption-Being-Adoption-Journey.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T193000 DTSTAMP:20260701T164608Z CREATED:20260311T185213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T164608Z UID:10000490-1790274600-1790278200@barkeradoptionfoundation.org SUMMARY:PWNL Waiting Parent Meeting (September) DESCRIPTION:This group is open to Barker approved prospective adoptive parents.  Topics related to older child adoption are discussed. \nTo learn more or register\, please contact Caitlin Alfaro – calfaro@barkerfoundation.org URL:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/events-calendar/pwnl-waiting-parent-meeting-september/ CATEGORIES:Older Child Information Meeting,Prospective Parent Project Wait No Longer-Older Child Adoption from Foster Care,Support/Discussion Groups ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Waiting-Parent-Meeting-1.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR