Ties Program Blog

Preparing for Heritage Travel | Ties Travelers Reflect | Hear From Our Team

Elizabeth Kwon 6/11/26 Elizabeth Kwon 6/11/26

Listening to the Body: How Movement Therapy Supports Adoptee Healing

Adoptee and somatic therapist Mihyun Lee shares how movement-based practices help adoptees reconnect with their bodies, process complex trauma, and find pathways toward healing.

Elizabeth Kwon 5/21/26 Elizabeth Kwon 5/21/26

What We Learned From Our First "Together in This" Cohort

Our first "Together in This" cohort showed us something we already suspected: partners of adoptees need a space too. Real conversations, real community, and a lot still left to explore. We're sharing what we learned and are giving insight into what's coming next.

Elizabeth Kwon 4/30/26 Elizabeth Kwon 4/30/26

Five Things Adoptees Should Know Before Traveling to Their Birth Country a Second Time

Been to your birth country before? Your next trip is going to feel completely different and that's okay. 💜 We're diving into what adoptees can expect on return trips: bigger feelings, new perspectives, and the beauty of seeing familiar places with fresh eyes. Featuring real stories from Ties Team Members and alumni, it's an honest and encouraging guide to traveling with an open heart, releasing expectations, and embracing every feeling along the way.

Elizabeth Kwon 2/26/26 Elizabeth Kwon 2/26/26

The Importance of Being “Together in This” - Introducing Our New Seminar for Partners of Adoptees

Together in This is a three-part interactive seminar created specifically for partners of adoptees who want to better understand, support, and grow alongside the person they love. We sat down with Ben Kaanta and Sarah Kurtzahn, co-creators of this important seminar, to gain insight into why they felt this course was needed and why they decided to navigate unchartered territory.

Elizabeth Kwon 2/12/26 Elizabeth Kwon 2/12/26

The Assumption of Citizenship: Why Intercountry Adoptees Are Left Out of the Conversation

Many assume that international adoption automatically grants a child citizenship, but this isn't always the case. This post explores the historical and legal reasons why thousands of adult adoptees remain without secure status today.

Autumn Ackerson 1/17/26 Autumn Ackerson 1/17/26

Intercountry Adoptee Rights and Safety Guide: What to Know in 2026

Stay informed, prepared, and supported as an intercountry adoptee. This living guide offers practical tips on rights, documentation, travel, and community resources, helping adoptees navigate immigration enforcement and complex legal questions with confidence and care.

Elizabeth Kwon 12/3/25 Elizabeth Kwon 12/3/25

Healing Ourselves & Others: Grounding with Aire Roots

Elizabeth Kwon 11/4/25 Elizabeth Kwon 11/4/25

November Gratitude Spotlight: Destiny Fore

Elizabeth Kwon 8/31/25 Elizabeth Kwon 8/31/25

Wellness Check-In: A Guided Reflection for Adoptees

While National Wellness Month is ending, it’s never too late to practice wellness all year around. We invited Astrid Castro, Founder and CEO of Adoption Mosaic, to speak on ways for adoptees to incorporate wellness practices into your every day life.

Elizabeth Kwon 8/25/25 Elizabeth Kwon 8/25/25

Boundaries as an Adoptee: Self-Love Tips for Adoptees From an Adoptee

Lian Norris, owner of You Can Yoga and a Chinese adoptee, provides boundary tips for adoptees.

Elizabeth Kwon 8/18/25 Elizabeth Kwon 8/18/25

Turning Pain Into Purpose with Simon Benn of Thriving Adoptees

Thoughts from Simon Benn of Thriving Adoptees and Tanya Kaanta, Director of the Ties Program, on healing from adoption trauma.

Autumn Ackerson 5/28/25 Autumn Ackerson 5/28/25

Mental Health Awareness Month: Unspoken Adoptee Stressors — Part 2: The Weight of the Narrative

Explore Part 2 of The Ties Program’s Mental Health Awareness Month blog series, focusing on the unspoken adoptee stressor of “narrative burden.” Learn how adoptees and their loved ones often carry the weight of explaining their story—and how heritage travel, community, and emotional support can help lighten the load.

Autumn Ackerson 5/15/25 Autumn Ackerson 5/15/25

Mental Health Awareness Month: Unspoken Adoptee Stressors — Part 1: The Ghost Kingdoms

Explore the hidden grief of adoptee “ghost kingdoms” in Part 1 of our Mental Health Awareness Month series on unspoken adoption stressors.

Tanya Kaanta 5/13/25 Tanya Kaanta 5/13/25

What to Expect When Traveling with The Ties Program

Autumn Ackerson 4/17/25 Autumn Ackerson 4/17/25

Ties Program Participants Now Eligible to Receive Grants from CH/LSS!

Discover how Ties Program participants can now receive grant funding from CH/LSS to support heritage travel. Learn who qualifies, what the grants cover, and how to apply for this meaningful opportunity.