Past Events

Together Called 2016

On April 8th-10th at the brand new Liberty Mountain Resort near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, over 100 couples from 12 different states joined together to reconnect with each other and the community in which God has placed them in. Keynote speakers Matt and Becca Whitson as well as breakout speakers such as Cheryl and Jeff Nitz, Sue Becke, Tiffany Barber, Stephanie Smit, Beth Templeton, and Heidi and Daron Holland encouraged and challenged those couples as they press on in living out the calling to love each other, their children, and God well.

Team Shaanxi 2015

While we are committed to encouraging and supporting adoptive families, we also care deeply for the children around the world who are waiting for families, many of whom never will be adopted. With a team of 15 in October 2015, we served waiting children and the staff who cares for them in an orphanage in Shaanxi, China. Our team offered an English workshop for older children in addition to training for caregivers.

Their Vision Is Valuable Photography Exhibit

therevisionisvaluable

When professional photographer Ben Leaman joined The Sparrow Fund’s team to serve at an orphanage of 300 children in Shaanxi, China in Fall 2014, we were able to offer the children something that had never been offered there before. More than 10 of the older children joined him for a photography workshop where they discussed what makes beauty, shadows, color, and capturing humanity in images. Then, they were sent out to capture their world in photography. On May 1st, we hosted the premier exhibit of a sample of the incredible images these children captured. Want information about how to bring this world-changing exhibit to you? Email info@sparrow-fund.org to find out how.

Together Called 2015

On March 27th-29th, 2015 at the beautiful Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Berks County, Pennsylvania, over 100 couples from 14 different states from all over the country joined together to see things in a new way and be reminded of truths they have known. Keynote speaker Randy Bohlender as well as breakout speakers such as Cheryl and Jeff Nitz, Laura Godwin, Amy Lynch, Nicole Renee, Mark and Kelly Raudenbush, and Heidi and Daron Holland encouraged and challenged those couples as they press on in living out the calling to love each other, their children, and God well.

Team Shaanxi 2014

While we are committed to encouraging and supporting adoptive families, we also care deeply for the children around the world who are waiting for families, many of whom never will be adopted. With a team of 15 in October 2014, we served waiting children and the staff who cares for them in an orphanage in Shaanxi, China. Our team offered a photography workshop led by Ben Leaman to teach the older children truths way beyond how to take a good picture.

Adoption: Connecting While Correcting

TSF save the date website

We are parents committed to the children in our homes. And, part of that commitment involves discipline—the part of parenting many claim is most challenging, particularly when you are dealing with children who have experienced trauma or loss. But, discipline doesn’t have to be painful. We can nurture our children while providing structure, connect as we seek to correct. In September 2014, Cheryl Nitz, ACSW LCSW, founder and director of the Attachment and Bonding Center of Pennsylvania, guided preadoptive, adoptive, and foster parents in Towson, Maryland through the whys and hows of correction for our children from the “terrible twos” to the “terrible teens.”

Team Shaanxi Spring 2014

While we are committed to encouraging and supporting adoptive families, we also care deeply for the children around the world who are waiting for families, many of whom never will be adopted. In February/March 2014, with a team of of 13, we followed a new path and traveled across the world to serve waiting children and the staff who cares for them in an orphanage in central China, building a foundation for a long-term vision and partnership.

Together Called 2014

On February 21nd-23rd, 2014, we gathered at the posh Inn at Leola Village in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to hear from Stephen and Beth Templeton, faithful servants and parents of 7 children who are joining us from Atlanta, Georgia. Adoptive and preadoptive couples there were led to see things in a new way and reminded of truths they know as they seek Him together. 

“Adopted” Isn’t a 4-Letter Word

Adopted September 2013We see their stories as beautiful, even redemptive. But, often, our kids feel like the walk around with a scarlet letter on their chest that stands for “adopted.” Whether your child came into your family at birth or as a preteen, one of our roles as parents is to walk alongside him or her to process both the trauma and loss as well as the blessing of adoption. In September 2013, The Sparrow Fund partnered with the Attachment and Bonding Center of PA for “Adopted” Isn’t a 4-Letter Word where 60 parents came together to learn about the whys and hows, addressing the challenges we face both internally and externally as we talk to our kids about their stories.

Together Called 2013

On February 22nd-24th, 2013 at the Inn at Leola Village in Lancaster County, PA, over 60 couples gathered from 14 different states for the first Together Called retreat. We heard from Nate and Sara Hagerty, adoptive parents of 4 children from Uganda and Ethiopia. The response was overwhelming which led us to start planning Together Called 2014 before the end of the weekend.

Adoption: Connecting While Correcting

CorrectingWe are parents committed to the children in our homes. And, part of that commitment involves discipline—the part of parenting many claim is most challenging, particularly when you are dealing with children who have experienced trauma or loss. But, discipline doesn’t have to be painful. We can nurture our children while providing structure, connect as we seek to correct. In September 2012, The Sparrow Fund and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia partnered together for a training opportunity for all adoptive families – Adoption: Connecting While Correcting. Keynote speaker Cheryl Nitz, ACSW LCSW, founder and director of the Attachment and Bonding Center of Pennsylvania, guided just under 100 of us through the whys and hows of correction for our children from the “terrible twos” to the “terrible teens.”

Adoption: From the Classroom to the Playground

ClassroomSchool can bring all new issues to the surface for our children – learning difficulties, classroom concerns, relationship issues. In May 2012, The Sparrow Fund and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia partnered together for their first collaborative training opportunity for all adoptive families – Adoption: From the Classroom to the Playground. Approximately 90 attendees heard compelling research about the effects of traumatic infancy on the brain and learning. They received help to understand what is “normal” and developmental milestones to look for and how to notice red flags. Parents learned how to advocate for their children to get the help they may need in the classroom. With a panel discussion with parents and adoptees as well as discussion questions in small groups at lunch, parents left with practical steps to help their children as well as connection and encouragement for their families going forward.