New support for adoptees and birth mothers

MOVES are underway to set up support groups in County Clare for adoptees and birth mothers. The establishment of both groups is being facilitated by Traci Stone, who herself was adopted and gave up a child for adoption.

Traci hopes that the formation of these groups will prompt regular meetings being held to support people living in the local community and provide a forum for people to share information, their experiences and support each other both pre and post reunion.
The first meeting of the adoptee support group will be held on Thursday night, January 21, between 7pm and 9pm at the Clare Training and Resource Centre at Clonroad Business Park in Ennis.
A trained group leader for the Human Awareness Institute, Traci has a wealth of experience in the area of adoption and its impact on individuals and the wider community. She had a background in group work, counselling, community education and service creation. She also holds a certificate in community welfare and has completed a year of women’s studies. 
“Having had the experience of being adopted and relinquishing a child for adoption, I have a unique and complete view of the issues impacting on people who have been touched by adoption and their families.
“Adoption experiences have a lifelong impact on the adoptee and birth parent and many times a feeling of isolation can be overwhelming. By sharing time together, where people can speak of their experiences and find common ground, this sense of isolation can be replaced by feelings of empowerment and community,” Stone said.
Having successfully supported organisations helping people with their adoption experiences, Traci has also been, along with others, the co-creator of two community-based organisations in Australia: Adopted Persons’ Support Group, South Australia and Genetic Connections, New South Wales.
Further information is available from Traci on 087-4102845, or email lovetraci@hotmail.com.