I am an adoptee who reunited with both birthparents and I am birthmother who reunited with my daughter. I was born in New York State where adoptees are prohibited by law to obtain their OBC. Through a mutual friend on a NY State adoptee website I discovered RIARG! At the time I discovered RIARG, RI had just passed the law allowing adoptees to access their Original Birth Certificates and some group members were just beginning their search. Upon joining the group I immediately felt welcomed and have been a part of it every since. My personal belief is simple; obviously everyone wants to know where they came from and who they are, at RIARG you may find either support from others who are experienced with search and reunion, or just a warm and fuzzy place to hang and chat with like-minded people. Welcome to RIARG, where your journey is in your hands.
Caroline R.
Facilitator: Birth Parent Support Group; Adoptee Rights Advocate;
Always knowing I was adopted, I began searching for my biological family at age 18 with no success. Luckily, I found RIARG shortly after the new law was passed allowing adoptees to get their original birth certificates, and was able to build a network with other adoptees about to experience the same thing I was! I became an avid contributor to the monthly meetings, and eventually began publishing a monthly newsletter so those who did not attend meetings could stay in the loop with RIARG happenings.
Regina Z.
Adoptee Rights Advocate, Search Angel, RI Genealologist, & Catalyst Superior
I officially stepped into this arena in 2006 when I began actively searching for biological family. Soon thereafter I found myself facilitating online adoptee chat groups. Along the way I came to realize that the most effective way to obtain sound information that would lead me to find my bio-family was to advocate to change the law to allow adoptees to access their OBC's. In 2009 I threw my hat into the legislative arena officially submersing me into advocacy. Here I am today facilitating a resource and network group for adoptees while continuing local policy reform and act as a national advisor for other adoptee legislative groups. Had you asked me prior to 2006 if I could see myself doing this type of work, I would have told you you were crazy.
Over 30 years ago I began searching for my biological family and had very good success considering it was prior to the conveniences of modern technology of the internet, email, and Google. With my experience and passion to help others I became a search angel (volunteer searcher) helping many adoptees connect with their families over the years. I am also a legislative advocate and assisted with the new law that now allows adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates. If you are an adoptee who needs a little help searching for biological family please contact me via email and I'll try to point you in the right direction.
Amy G.
Adopte Rights Advocate, News letter Publisher, Support Group Co-Facilator; Geneal, & Catalyst
John J. Greene (Adoptee)
Founder, Facilitator, Adoptee Rights Advocate, Searcher, RI Genealologist,
& General Catalyst
Meet RIARG
The following are local RI Adoptees who have unconditionally dedicated their personal time, resources and skills to assist local adoptees with their individual goals, albeit with searching, genealogy, general information, networking, group support, or current news & events. Please don't hesitate to contact via the information listed below, or connect by joining us here and we will be in touch with you.