Parenting children through adoption, relative or foster care comes with unique challenges—it’s beautiful, but it’s hard. That’s why the Lexington OCA Connect group exists.
Led by experienced professionals, Joan Miller (Director of School Based and Clinical Counseling, Provision) and Amy Kinnell (Adoption Specialist, Adoption Assistance, Inc.), the group welcomes parents at any stage of the adoption or foster care process. This monthly gathering is a place where foster and adoptive parents can be real about their struggles and find support. The Lexington OCA Connect group meets on the third Saturday of each month from 9:30–11:00 AM at Redeemer Community Church.
A Safe Place to Be Honest
“People come to us at all different stages,” says Joan Miller. “We’ve had grandparents, foster parents, adoptive families—and even a young man who had aged out of foster care.”
Joan and Amy both know the journey firsthand. “We adopted a teenage boy after his first adoptive placement failed,” Joan shares. “Even with years of experience in the field, I was surprised by how hard it was. Learning about TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) changed everything for us.”
The group offers a place to ask hard questions, pray together, and simply not feel alone.
“Sometimes adoptive parents isolate,” Joan explains. “They’re busy or in crisis. We want them to know—there’s no shame in needing help. There’s nothing you could ask that we haven’t wondered ourselves.”
A Church That Cares
Each month, around 8–10 parents gather while Redeemer Community Church provides free childcare (for up to 14 children). From toddlers to teens, kids are cared for by trained volunteers—many of whom have received trauma-informed training and understand the behavioral needs of children impacted by trauma.
“Redeemer has been incredible,” says Joan. “They welcome us with open arms. It’s a church that helps even when helping is hard.”
Regional OCA Ministry Leader David Preston, a regular attendee, adds, “Since Redeemer completed trauma training, parents have noticed a big difference in the care for their children. The kids feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves.”
Shared Struggles, Shared Hope
“Many parents try to ‘do it right,’ but find that traditional parenting doesn’t meet the needs of kids from hard places,” Joan shares.
The group offers shared wisdom, stories, and prayer—and no one is expected to have it all together.
“I love seeing veteran foster and adoptive families sharing with new parents,” says David. “People are willing to admit they’re not perfect. They need help—from each other, from our trauma specialists, and from the Lord.”
“The enemy wants to isolate us,” Joan says. “But God brings us together to help each other heal.”
Joan puts it this way: “We’re told in 2 Corinthians that God comforts us so we can comfort others. I like to say, don’t waste your sorrows. After we’ve walked through something, we can help someone else.”
What to Expect
- Free donuts
- Free, trauma-informed childcare
- Group discussion led by professionals
- Prayer and encouragement
- Real stories, shared hope
- Couches, not conference tables
- And best of all, no pressure, no judgment—just community.
Looking Ahead
As the group continues to grow, Joan and Amy hope to offer TBRI parent training, organize prayer chains, and deepen connections through practical support—like meals, babysitting help, and shared resources.
“We want this to feel like a life group,” says Joan. “A place where you can show up, be known, and be supported.”
If you’re an adoptive, relative care or foster parent in the Lexington area, come join us. You don’t have to do this alone. There’s a seat for you—and maybe a donut, too.
