As an adoption and foster care ministry, Tapestry recognizes the need to provide resources and offer support and opportunities for connection to everyone touched by adoption. We understand that adoption is a lifelong journey, and it is a journey that was not meant to be traveled alone. 

The Tapestry adult adoptee group is a place for adult adoptees from all walks of life to safely come, listen and share with the knowledge that our lives are formed with a divine purpose and definition through our adoption journey. 

“My frame was not hidden from you
When I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book
Before one of them came to be.”    –Psalm 139:15-16

The adult adoptee group is facilitated by two adult adoptees. The group meets on the second Tuesday night of each month at 7:00 pm in the Conference Room at Irving Bible Church.

This group is a place for adult adoptees from all walks of life to safely come, listen and share with the knowledge that our lives are formed with a divine purpose and definition through our adoption journey.

This group is not offered as therapy, but rather a place for understanding, support, connection and reconciliation for any person who is adopted. The group is open to all adult adoptees (18 years and older) regardless of whether you were placed domestically or transnationally. First names are used during the group and those in attendance agree to keep shared information by group members confidential.

Attendance is revolving, meaning anyone can attend at any time. There will be sensitive issues discussed and shared within the group, including topics related to grief and loss, abandonment, identity, birth family, adoptive family, search and reunion, grace, hope and forgiveness. We welcome your attendance regardless of whether you want to be an active participant, or just come and listen. We also ask members to be respectful of those in attendance and when the group is large or one member is in need of support, that others limit their time accordingly.

We encourage you to come, listen and share with others who have been adopted.

For questions or more information about this group contact Amy Monroe at tapestry@irvingbible.org or (972) 315-9628.

About the Group Leaders

Melanie Chung-Sherman, was adopted from Korea in the 1970’s. She grew up in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex with her younger brothers – one of whom was also adopted from Korea and another who joined the family by birth. She and her husband live in the north Dallas area with their infant son. She has been working professionally in the field of child welfare and adoption since 1999. She is a licensed master social worker and has worked with members of the adoption triad for many years.

Melanie wrote this about the adult adoptee group: “As adoptees, we have found over the years that the ability to connect with others who share a similar life story can be one of the most healing and empowering experiences. God continues to call us to His place of safety and refuge, but for many adoptees finding a place to share and connect with others about something so profoundly personal has been difficult. This is why Tapestry has created an adult adoptee group.”

Heather Ellis was adopted as an infant through a private agency in Dallas, Texas in the early 1980’s. She grew up in the Dallas area with her younger brother, who was also adopted as an infant. Heather and her husband have been living in the south Dallas area since moving back from New Mexico in June 2007. Heather is a licensed master social worker and has gained experience working in foster care and adoption since 2002.

Also Found In: Discussion Groups, Resources for Adoptees