Elizabeth Kwon 3/4/26 Elizabeth Kwon 3/4/26

All of Your Ethiopian Ties Questions Answered

Planning a Ties Heritage trip to Ethiopia? This guide answers everything from dates, to updates from the inaugural trip, in-country support, reconnection opportunities with birth family and pricing. Learn how Ties creates meaningful, personalized experiences for adoptees and their loved ones plus get tips on grants, travel planning and making the most of your journey.

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 1/15/26 Elizabeth Kwon 1/15/26

Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026

Dr. Tanya Kaanta, Director of the Ties Program, reflects on 2025 - acknowledging the transformation of the adoptee space and the what Ties brings to the table. She also looks forward to what 2026 will bring for Ties the broader adoptee landscape.

Elizabeth Kwon 12/18/25 Elizabeth Kwon 12/18/25

File Reviews & Birth Search in the Age of NCRC: Part 2

In part two this two-part series, program manager and Korean adoptee Liz Kwon personally reflects on how birth search and file reviews are being handled since NCRC took over adoptee files earlier in 2025.

Elizabeth Kwon 12/11/25 Elizabeth Kwon 12/11/25

File Reviews & Birth Search in the Age of NCRC: Part 1

In part one this two-part series, program manager and Korean adoptee Liz Kwon personally reflects on how birth search and file reviews are being handled since NCRC took over adoptee files earlier in 2025.

Elizabeth Kwon 9/22/25 Elizabeth Kwon 9/22/25

Positionality, Identity, and Adoption: Lessons from the Summer Adoption Research Institute

Hear from Senior Program Manager, Sarah Kurtzahn, as she reflects on her time at the Rudd Institute from the viewpoint of someone who is connected to adoption in a non-traditional way.

Elizabeth Kwon 9/11/25 Elizabeth Kwon 9/11/25

Returning to Research: Reflections on the Rudd Institute’s Adoption Masterclass

Follow Ties owner and executive director, Tanya Kaanta, as she reflects on her time at the Rudd Adoption Research Program.

Elizabeth Kwon 8/28/25 Elizabeth Kwon 8/28/25

Ties Returns to Colombia: A Journey of Connection, Culture and Homecoming

Ben Kaanta, Colombia Ties Program Manager, reflects on Ties’ return to Colombia and how geographical and cultural layers can inform an experience.

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.

Elizabeth Kwon 8/7/25 Elizabeth Kwon 8/7/25

Returning to Korea: A Personal and Evolving Journey Through Heritage Travel

In this powerful reflection, Korean Ties Program Manager Sarah Kurtzahn shares her personal experience traveling to South Korea with her husband (a Korean adoptee) and their young son. From exploring Seoul in 100°F heat to navigating Korea’s evolving post-adoption landscape, Sarah reflects on how heritage travel, adoptee identity, and family connection continue to intersect in meaningful ways.

Autumn Ackerson 6/9/25 Autumn Ackerson 6/9/25

Returning to China as an Adoptee: The Trip That Opened the Real Journey

China Ties Program Manager Autumn Ackerson reflects on her personal journey as a Chinese adoptee returning to her birth country—and how leading others on their own return trips has shaped her path.

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 5/26/25 Autumn Ackerson 5/26/25

A Long-Awaited Journey Back to Ethiopia

Join us for the inaugural Ethiopian Ties trip this December. Program Manager Rebecca Blessing shares the heartfelt journey of how this long-awaited heritage experience for Ethiopian adoptees and their loved ones finally came to life.

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.

2/23/25 2/23/25

Honoring Black History Month: A Commitment to Celebration and Support

2/20/25 2/20/25

The Importance of Community and Connection for Adoptees