Oasis Ascent

There’s something really special about walking into a place and immediately feeling like people are cared for there.

Touring New Haven in Springville felt like that. Their campus is so warm and home-y that the little girl in me genuinely wanted to curl up on one of the couches and stay awhile. 🤍

But more than the space itself, it was the people. Their staff were kind, grounded, and so clearly connected to the human side of this work. You can tell they really value relationships, dignity, and making kids feel known.

I left feeling really grateful for the chance to see what they’ve built and to connect with a team doing such meaningful long-term work with families.

When an adopted teen opens up about difficult feelings, parents may immediately want to know what they can say or do to make things better.

Sometimes, the most helpful response is simply listening.

Your teen's perspective may change from week to week or even day to day. Creating a safe space where they can share those feelings, without needing to have the "right" answer, can help them feel heard and understood.

An adopted teen can have a loving family and still feel deeply alone.

Questions about identity, belonging, culture, and where they fit can contribute to feelings of isolation, especially when they don't know anyone who shares a similar experience.

Recognizing that loneliness can be an important first step toward helping a teen feel seen and understood.