When parenting children who are in foster care or were adopted, it is important to have others around you who understand the challenges presented. Matters of the Heart recognizes the importance of community support and we offer support groups at different times and locations so you can gather with other foster/adoptive families and you are not “going it alone.”

If you are a foster parent, talk with your agency about providing financial support towards your participation in the support group. We also offer support to foster and adoptive parents in, Landisville, Lancaster, Elizabethtown, Harrisburg and Hershey, PA.

Every adoptive parent in PA is eligible for support through the State Wide Adoption Network (SWAN). Contact SWAN online at SWAN

or by calling 800-585-SWAN

You can request support group services through Pressley Ridge, Coby’s Family Services or Bethany Christian Services which will cover the cost of attending any of our support groups. SWAN also offers case management support and respite opportunities.

Elaine Shenk, Adoptive Parent, leads this group located at Etown Brethren in Christ Church at 996 E High Street Elizabethtown, PA 17022 on the First Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8. Cost is $20 per adoptive parent, or utilizing SWAN Unit of Service. Free for Foster Parents. RSVP by the Thursday before.