As two birth moms with different experiences we focus on connection, fun, and aim for a lasting impact.
So, what’s an ampersand, anyway?
Ampersand is just a fancy name for the “and sign” (example: grief & gratitude)
As a nonprofit we are passionate about acknowledging the ‘ands’ of life and knew we wanted that concept to be the center of our mission. Life is both hard & beautiful. It’s good, and okay, to acknowledge both. It’s part of everything we do as we build resilience and be in community together.
the ampersand initiative values
thrive
Helping birth moms rediscover joy and purpose in life. Healing can be fun!
heal
Encouraging growth and resilience in safe spaces. Healing isn't a destination—it's a lifelong practice.
connect
Strengthening relationships within the birth mom community and beyond
We are birth moms cultivating a culture of healing & growth for other birth moms.
Meet Raquel
raised in kinship care, birth mom in reunion, kinship adoptive mom
This gestures widely was never part of the plan ... more of a happy little accident, as Bob Ross would say. Wild how some of our hardest moments can become a catalyst for some of our best. My unique experiences as a child raised in kinship care, birth mom, parenting mom, and kinship adoptive mom have inspired me to cultivate the resources I could have also benefitted from. I feel so fortunate to be building a legacy that will hopefully outlive me and a life full of hope, healing, and joy. When I'm not behind a screen I'm likely elbow deep in an art project or outside, barefoot, and happier than a seagull with a french fry.
Meet Leah
As a mom of five, a birth mom, adoption educator, writer and speaker I get asked often, “How do you do it all?” And, I honestly don’t know the answer, I just do. I do it because I’m passionate about everything I choose to step into, and this space is no different. Because I well loved and cared for along my journey, my goal is to be the same support that was given to me. I find joy in sharing my experiences in hopes that it helps others. When I’m taking time for myself, I’m often found snuggling a cat and reading a good book.
domestic, open adoption birth mom
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