Hope for the Journey Across Colorado

This May, Project 1.27 was thrilled to host 3 different Hope for the Journey Conference options, serving 57 attendees, including foster, adoptive, and kinship families, as well as church ministry leaders and those who work with vulnerable children. The May Topgolf fundraiser event made it possible to offer the conference, covering the majority of the conference expenses. One attendee noted, “Now that I’ve seen what this conference is all about, I have a lot of people I want to invite next time! It’s so valuable!”

The Metro location of the conference was held at Fellowship Denver Church where participants trained in TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) principles, connected over lunch, and even participated in breakout sessions with local experts, including Cheryl Mock, Megan Magel, and Sadie Dodson. The church ministry leaders benefitted from their own breakout session, featuring Mark Gomez and Emily Stam, where they were able to talk specifically about the church's role in providing a safe, loving environment for kids with a trauma background.  

Because of the heavy content, the Project 1.27 staff wanted to make sure there were plenty of opportunities for fun, as well. Attendees had the chance to win prizes, including Visa gift cards, restaurant gift cards, admission to fun Denver events for children, and even a weekend getaway to Great Wolf Lodge.  Participants also received goodies each day of the conference, including sensory kits, tumblers, snacks, and lunch. On Saturday, attendees were treated to chair massages by Serenity Massage during their lunch break.

In NoCo, Liz Brodzinski, Project 1.27’s NoCo Relationships and Support Manager, hosted 22 attendees. Guests, along with exhibitors and volunteers, joined at round tables in the "Living Room" at Timberline Windsor. There were sticky notes, spiky rings, playdough, mints, and Double Bubble on every table. Three exhibitors came to host tables; Finally Home, Colorado Kids Belong & Raise the Future. They brought helpful resources and several of them were TBRI Practitioners. A Resource Library was available with books for parents, Empowered to Connect DVDs from previous years, brand new picture books for kids, and a plethora of items from our local Foster Closet. Shopping bags were donated from Nightlight Christian Adoptions and people enjoyed gathering resources. The tables in the great hall were covered with snacks, treats, fresh coffee, and water. Each day, for two hours, a massage therapist was available for ten-minute massages. Lunches were spent enjoying the connection with other families and taking some time for a walk in the sunshine. 

The Western Slope offered 5 afternoons across the month of May for attendees to watch the TBRI training videos and come together for a time of discussion and connection, led by Lisa McGinnett, the Project 1.27 Western Slope Director. Lisa shared, “We are 3 weeks into the 5-week event and we have had the best time! From my perspective, this small group has been an encouragement to me as a current foster parent.  Even though I am facilitating the group, I am finding refreshment and camaraderie with these ladies.” 

On the final day of the conference, the Metro attendees were treated to a cheer tunnel, complete with noisemakers, maracas, and lots of cheering, to congratulate them on completing the TBRI training.

One Western Slope attendee shared, "Although I attended the virtual H4J last year, this is always a good reminder.  I think people should go through this EVERY year as a refresher course.”