MARE Hosted Events

Throughout the year, MARE hosts events statewide to connect and support social workers, waiting children and prospective adoptive families. Please subscribe to our events newsletter to be notified of upcoming opportunities as they are scheduled.

Adoption Matching Events – These casual, interactive mixers provide families the opportunity to learn more about foster care adoption, meet waiting children and network with social workers. Some events are open to families at any stage of considering adoption, while others are limited to families with an approved homestudy who are ready to meet waiting children. Some events are planned for specific populations of waiting children (such as teens, children with special needs, or siblings) or specific populations of families (LGBT families, families of color, or single parents). We encourage families who are licensed to bring a hard copy of their Family Profile to in-person events or to email it when attending virtual matching events. To download a template of the Family Profile click here.

Family Support Events – Through trainings, webinars, panels and peer to peer support, prospective adoptive families at any stage in the process can continue to build their knowledge and network of support.

Fundraising Events – Be a part of bringing a child or teen home to their adoptive family by participating on one of MARE’s fundraising and community building events.

Building Your Village - A Virtual Workshop


Join MARE staff and experienced adoptive parents, Liz Joyal and Mary Nogueras, for a virtual workshop about how to build your own support network of people who will support and encourage you in your adoption parenting journey.

We’ll talk through identifying friends and family, inviting them to join your village, and preparing and orienting them to be the supports you will need through the joys and struggles of adoptive parenting.

Families in MAPP and beyond in the process are welcome to attend.