(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – This November, during National Adoption Month, the Adoptive Family Support Network (AFSN) – a program of D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s (DABSJ) – is celebrating the strength of adoptive families across Michigan and the growing statewide network of support that helps them thrive before, during, and long after adoption day.
AFSN’s largest event of the year, the Adoption Celebration, takes place on November 9 at the Three Mile Project in Grand Rapids. The event brings together families from across Michigan to celebrate adoption, connection, and community through family-friendly activities. More details are available at dabsj.org.
Over the past year, AFSN has expanded its staff and increased activities throughout the state, making it easier for families to find the community and guidance they need. In 2024, the program served more than 2,700 families across 81 Michigan counties.
“Adoption is a unique way to form a family, and adoptive families need a unique kind of support. There aren’t many programs out there for adoptive families once an adoption is finalized,” said Shelley Garcia, AFSN Supervisor. “That’s why this work matters so much. Every parent needs a village – and we are that village. Families always tell us how much it means to be surrounded by people who truly understand what adoption looks like day to day.”
AFSN offers peer mentoring, support groups, educational opportunities, and family-friendly events designed to strengthen families and help children recover from trauma. Services are open to all adoptive, foster, kinship, and guardianship families, with specialized experience supporting those whose children have had involvement in the child welfare system.
All of AFSN’s team members are adoptive parents themselves, representing private, international, kinship, and foster care adoptions. Each brings lived experience to their work, offering encouragement, coaching, and connection in a trauma-responsive environment.
“Adoption is not a single moment in a courtroom. It’s a lifelong journey,” said Joel Bell, DABSJ President and CEO. “At DABSJ, we’re here to walk alongside families at every stage of that journey, offering the right support at the right time so children and families can continue to grow together.”
Learn more about adopting (children waiting now to be adopted), joining AFSN, or supporting adoptive families at dabsj.org
About D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s
D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s is a nonprofit that provides a full continuum of care for children and families, including foster care, adoption, family preservation, behavioral health, child psychiatry, and residential treatment programs. Founded in 1887, DABSJ is a changing lives with safety, advocacy, and support. Learn more at dabsj.org.
About the Adoptive Family Support Network (AFSN)
The Adoptive Family Support Network (AFSN), a program of D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s, provides guidance, education, and connection for adoptive, foster, kinship, and guardianship families across Michigan. AFSN helps parents build confidence and lasting relationships as they raise children who have experienced loss, trauma, or the challenges of adoption and/or the child welfare system. Learn more at dabsj.org/what-we-do/adoption/post-adoption-support.
