About

As a birthmom, On Your Feet was the first place I was accepted for who I am... at whatever point in my journey I am in. I've never had to pretend to be something I'm not. Making the choice not to parent, while it has moments of grief, has allowed me to find my voice, footing and take up space in this world without apology. -Caroline

Christy's small photography business is steadily growing after a Facebook fundraiser through On Your Feet purchased a new camera for her. Christy has a passion for helping people capture moments in their lives and feels grateful to be able to supplement her income using photography. Christy continues to be active in retreats, events and the birth parent community.

Before finding On Your Feet, I thought grief was linear and that I had reached a good place with it on my own for the past 10 years. I was very open with my story and shared often, which I found very healthy and therapeutic. Yet, all my energy was going out and I wasn't receiving the things I needed to truly heal. The power of empathy filled a piece of me that was missing and so desperately needed. It opened up the floodgates of grief and led me into some much needed therapy. I acquired the tools to learn how to truly love myself at of the retreats I attended and let go of the guilt and shame that caused me so much suffering. Now I am living the roller coaster of grief surrounded by the irreplaceable love and support of my birthmom sisters. I am now training to be one of On Your Feet's retreat facilitators ~ Jessica

I've been involved with On Your Feet actively for about a year now.; I've been a birthmother for 14. 

What I've experienced in this last year has been this amazingly insane amount of love and support from women who TRULY understand how and what I'm feeling. No judgment. Just understanding, compassion and allowing room for error and growth. 

I've learned how to properly communicate my feelings and that adoption isn't always glitters and gold. I've learned to communicate so much better because of this Sisterhood. I'm extremely grateful. 

As Always,  Good Vibes And Sunshine ️-Kari

On Your Feet has really helped me grow both personally and in my adoption journey. When I found On Your Feet, I was only about 1 month post-placement. I found a support system and sisterhood that I didn't initially realize I needed, but now can't imagine my life without! This foundation genuinely wants to help you grow, not only within your adoption journey, but personally, professionally, and academically. I know I am not alone when I say I don't know where I would be today if I hadn't found On Your Feet.

-Katrina

Being a birthmom has shown me that although we can have an insurmountable amount of grief, we can still experience joy, excitement, look forward to things in life and live healthily. Experiencing grief as a birthmom has made me more resilient, empathetic, patient, and kind. I am absolutely grateful to be on this journey. I am so thankful for the birthmom leaders I met at the retreat; each one strongly impacted my life. I felt loved and wanted by each of them. I don't think there is a week that goes by that I am telling a story and don't say "one of my birthmom leaders...." - Lyz

Being a birth mom gave me a chance to break the cycle of growing up in poverty. While I, of course, have experienced grief from placing my son, I have no doubt that I made the right decision. Getting involved with On Your Feet validated these feelings. I am thankful for a group of women that get me and accept me.~ Rachelle, birth mom to a really neat 14 year old boy.

Since reconnecting with On Your Feet last year, Rebeckah attended a birthmom retreat for the first time in almost 9 years! She also represented On Your Feet at this year’s CAFFA Conference and attended a couple of On Your Feet events. We are thrilled to have Rebeckah re-engage with us and happy to support her as she continues to be a voice for birthmothers!

When I placed my child for adoption 29 years ago, I had no support. Finding On Your Feet gave me a community of birthmoms that I didn’t know existed. Finally, I could talk about my adoption with people who actually understood! This support gave me the courage to search for my adult child that I placed, and we are now in reunion. To say that OYFF has impacted my life is an understatement. This community has completely changed my life! ~Robyn, Birthmom and Retreat Housemom 

Meet Samm and this special little girl who is loved by many! Samm visits the family that she placed her daughter with regularly. We are very excited to announce that Samm has successfully completed her requirements to apply for nursing school. She hopes to start in February! Grants from On Your Feet helped her purchase books and a Facebook fundraiser provided Samm with a laptop. Samm is dedicated to her studies and we are looking forward to seeing what her future holds!

On Your Feet has inspired me to never give up... no matter what. Whether it's hope, loneliness, a better life, loss, unhappiness, your future - or your child's future, to always celebrate your life's successes, not failures. Thanks to On Your Feet, I can celebrate being a woman, mother, wife, and friend. To the staff at On Your Feet, THANK YOU. - Stephanie

Before I found On Your Feet, I thought my only choice was to be happy all of the time; after all, it was my decision to place. I pretended nothing bothered me and kept all of my emotions bottled-up. It was very unhealthy! Then I found this amazing organization and they gave me permission to feel all the feelings and my life has been better for it every day since. Vicki, birthmom to Kevin, age 25

I am grateful for the opportunity to be in a community of people, each uniquely connected to adoption. My own closed adoption, especially prior to reunification with my birthparents as an adult, left huge parts of my identity in the shadows of what I felt I knew of myself and my life's story at the very foundation; even alongside a most loving and ideal adoptive family life. The circle of relationship and mission of On Your feet has done much to cultivate my sensitivity and reverence for the deep vulnerabilities and hopes of birthparents and adoptive parents. The wholeness of any person in the adoption triad has the opportunity to restore that of the other. - Deanna, adoptee

As an adoptive parent it is incredibly meaningful to know all of the work On Your Feet is doing to help birthmoms reach their
goals. Most important to me is the work On Your Feet does to address the trauma and mental health issues faced by birthmoms post placement. When birthmoms receive the support they need through therapy, retreats, and community, it helps build a healthier dynamic between birthmom, child, and adoptive parents.

On Your Feet Foundation is an integral part of post placement care for women who have placed a child for adoption. As an adoption social worker, I have referred many of my birthmothers to them and they continue to express how large of a part On Your Feet plays in their healing process. Whether a woman placed weeks, months or years ago, I can always count on On Your Feet to be there when women need them most. -Molly, ACI