On Your Feet Retreats
On Your Feet Foundation’s birthparent retreats started nearly 20 years ago and are among the longest running and most consistent anywhere in the country. NEW!! Our retreats our now being held in the Chicagoland area, easily accessible by both O'Hare and Midway, Metra and near expressways, making our retreats even easier to attend!
What Sets Us Apart
- Our retreats are run “for birthparents by birthparents” - every single person at the retreat, whether a facilitator or participant, has given birth to a child and placed that child for adoption. Our retreats are the one place where everyone understands each other because they have lived the same life-changing experience.
- This is a therapeutic retreat, meaning we spend most of our time together doing the work! By spending all of our time together (talking, eating, working, dancing, laughing and, yes, even crying) we leave feeling like one big family!
- This healing work is best done sober. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted at our retreats. This also means that this is a safe space for attendees who are working on their sobriety.
- We meet you where you are: angry, happy, hurt, relieved, in pain…and potentially all of those in the span of 5 minutes. We accept and acknowledge the hard emotions. They are real.
- We stay connected long after the retreat ends – ensuring that when you leave, not only do you have a community of other birthparents to continue with you on your journey; our retreat and case management staff will follow up to ensure that you have the support you need, including access to adoption-competent counseling, if needed.
2024 RETREAT DATES
Spring
- In-Person | May 3-5 | Registration extended through April 29th
- Virtual | May 18 | Registration extended through May 3rd
Specialty Retreat | Just for Retreat Veterans
- In-Person | June 7-9 | Registration opens Friday, April 26th
- Virtual | June 22 | Registration opens Friday, April 26th
Fall
- In-Person | September 27-29 | Registration opens August 2nd - early bird registration and retreat grant applications close August 16th
- Virtual | October 19 | Registration opens August 24th and closes September 27th
Registration will open 8 weeks before each retreat and remain open for 6 weeks.
Birthparent Support Alliance Members please contact Jennifer to make payment arrangements using BSA pricing.
Your Questions... Answered!
"On Your Feet Foundation has been instrumental in my journey as a birthmother. Through their programs and retreats it has allowed me the opportunity to make invaluable connections and lifelong friendships with other birthmothers. Adoption doesn't end at the time of placement and supporting OYFF will help continue the efforts to help many birthmothers on their lifelong journey."
