Cultivate Connection: Parenting Course

Summer is coming!! For some families, this is a time that is revered and looked forward to all year. For others, the disrupted routines, trips and visitors, and stress of coordinating summer camps can lead to an especially challenging time for families. You might even fall somewhere in between. Well, we've crafted this session of our Cultivate Connection training with you in mind! 

We understand online classes often fit best with busy schedules, but we also know the value of community!   Therefore, the first nine sessions of this curriculum will be delivered asynchronously weekly starting in June.  We will then gather together in a two-day mini-retreat (Friday, August 9th & Saturday, August 10th) in Charlotte, North Carolina to teach the remaining nine modules finish up the course.  

What exactly is Cultivate Connection?? Cultivate Connection is a peer-to-peer parenting course developed by Empowered to Connect. This course is co-led by Executive Director and co-founder, Erin Nasmyth, as well as Associate Director and adoptive parent, Molly Mayhoff. Both trained (extensively ;)) as facilitators through Empowered to Connect.

The course is based on the principles of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and aims to provide support for families parenting children who have joined their family through adoption. It offers research-based information and fosters collaboration and community-building. Whether you're an adoptive, foster, or waiting placement parent, this course will provide valuable tools and practical applications. 

Course Schedule - please note, registrants MUST COMMIT to attend both the virtual and in person portions of the course.  

Asynchronous Instruction (June 1st - July 31st): 

Nine videos released weekly to be viewed at your convenience prior to the retreat.  We will also provide support and interaction available through the Mighty Networks platform as you digest the information and start applying it at home.  

In-Person Training & Retreat:  Friday, August 9th & Saturday, August 10th

We'll meet from 4:00 to 7:30pm on Friday, August 9th and then release for dinner of your choice (think date night opportunity!). On Saturday, August 10th, we'll meet from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (don't worry!  We will provide you with breakfast and lunch!)   If possible, we highly recommend taking this opportunity for a weekend away and would suggest you book a hotel or Airbnb in Charlotte or send the kids to grandparents or friends' homes,  plan a fun dinner date Friday night (we'll give you some suggestions) and enjoy this opportunity to connect and learn with other families.

The cost of this class is $400 per family, plus the course material that will be purchased directly from Empowered to Connect (digital copy is $49). You can check out these materials here. After you register for the class, ASA willl provide you with an access code to purchase material. If you choose the 'Pay As You Can' option, unpaid costs for this class will be covered by our generous ASA donors, but you will still need to purchase the material from ETC.  

Please note, couples are highly encouraged to attend together when possible. We will need a minimum of 4 families to register by June 1st in order to hold the class. If we do not have enough participation, your payment will be refunded fully.