"Adoption Loss is the only trauma in the world where the victims are expected by the whole of society to be grateful." - The Reverend Keith C. Griffith, MBE

It is time to normalize the conversation, to heal the hearts, to bridge gaps, to unify the community, and to acknowledge the challenges and the joys in all things adoption. Joi wants to shine a light on the hidden struggles of adoption and enlighten people on how complex trauma affects people in the adoption circle. 

"Contrary to what some parents might believe or hope for, children are not born a blank slate. Rather, they come into the world with predetermined abilities, proclivities and temperaments that nurturing parents may be able to foster or modify, but can rarely reverse."--Jane Brody, The New York Times Science section, 11/5

The Belong Project is how Joi uses her voice. She shares six key care strategies in THE BELONG PROJECT, and she hopes one of them resonates with you today.

Believe adoptees stories. Bridge the gap within the adoption triad.
Educate the general public about the real impact of adoption. Equip adoptees with tools to thrive.
Lend your voice to advocacy efforts. Liberate the hearts of those suffering in silence to change the legacy of loss.
Operationalize the care across all sectors. Organize systems of support.
Normalize the conversation. Nurture and care for the vulnerable populations.
Give adequate resources needed for adoptees to thrive. Make space for members of the adoption triad to grieve their losses.

THE BELONG PROJECT is an adoption awareness campaign that can foster lasting results in the lives of the adoption triad one conversation at a time.