Formed Families Forward

### Context Profile for Formed Families Forward

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - **Mission**: Formed Families Forward (FFF) is dedicated to supporting families formed through foster care, adoption, and kinship care. Their mission is to provide resources, advocacy, and community engagement to enhance the well-being of these families.
   - **Cause**: The organization focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by families formed through non-traditional means, aiming to create a supportive environment that fosters healthy family dynamics and connections.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Events**: FFF organizes events such as "A Season of Thanks, A Celebration of Families," which honors families formed through foster care and adoption.
   - **Support Groups**: They conduct in-person meetings and support groups for kinship caregivers, providing a platform for sharing experiences and resources.
   - **Workshops & Training**: FFF offers workshops and training sessions aimed at equipping families with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate their unique challenges.
   - **Advocacy**: The organization engages in advocacy efforts to promote policies that benefit families formed through adoption and foster care.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone of FFF's communications is **friendly**, **supportive**, and **inspiring**. They aim to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages engagement and community building. The language is accessible and often includes personal touches to foster connection.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - FFF incorporates emojis in their communications, particularly in event promotions (e.g., 🎉 for celebrations). The use of emojis is moderate and serves to enhance the friendly and inviting tone of their messages.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Specific founding details were not available on the website, but the organization has established itself as a key resource for families in need.
   - **Scale**: FFF has a total of 9 forms and has conducted 206 email campaigns, indicating an active engagement strategy.
   - **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics were not detailed on the website, the organization emphasizes community engagement and support for families.
   - **Volunteer Info**: Information regarding volunteer opportunities may be available on their website, encouraging community involvement.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use a friendly and approachable tone. Avoid overly formal language; instead, opt for conversational phrases that resonate with families.
   - **Personalization**: Incorporate personal touches, such as addressing recipients by name and acknowledging their unique experiences.
   - **Clarity**: Ensure that communications are clear and straightforward, providing essential information without overwhelming the reader.
   - **Encouragement**: Use positive language that inspires hope and encourages families to engage with the organization’s resources and events.

This context profile serves as a foundational guide for crafting personalized and effective content for Formed Families Forward, ensuring alignment with their mission, tone, and community focus.

Early Bird Individual Parent/Caregiver

Early Bird Professional

Early Bird Child/Youth ticket (age 4 and older)

Early Bird Children under age 4

Professional Ticket

Individual Parent/Caregiver

Child/Youth ticket (age 4 and older)

Children under age 4

Volunteer

Exhibitor *Only for sponsors or by invite - email for info.*

Hello <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{lastname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">Last name, Thank you for registering for Spring Forward: Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Family Fun Day! We look forward to seeing you... 📭   at 10900 University Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110, USA⌚   On <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{date-variable-0356b94f-eb33-4168-bd85-8bab3551bdfa}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">Date As we get closer to the event, updates and additional pertinent information will be sent via email. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Stacia Stribling. Best. Stacia Striblingstacia.stribling@formedfamiliesforward.org7035392904

<p style="margin:0px;padding:0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">We can't wait to see you! Formed Families Forward welcomes you to our 12th annual Spring Forward Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Family Fun Day! Our theme is Together We Can: Strengthening Your Family Through Community.<p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">Foster, adoptive kinship families and family-serving professionals are invited to the 2025 Spring Forward Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 3 from 8:30 AM - 2 PM.  Tickets include admittance to sessions, activities, and a lunch.<p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">This year, Spring Forward will be held at the Science and Technology Campus of George Mason University in Manassas.  While parents, caregivers and professionals are enjoying sessions presented by experts in education and support of foster, adoptive and kinship families, children age 4-9 will take part in outdoor activities organized by Camp Sarraka while youth ages 10 and up will engage in GMU's outdoor experiential challenge course "The EDGE".  More information on the inclusive programming for children and teens is provided below or can be found by visiting <a href="https://edge.gmu.edu">https://edge.gmu.edu</a>. The day begins with keynote Fostering Community: Overcoming Isolation, Finding Strength in Connection &amp; Building Your “Tribe” presented by Leigh C. McInnis, LPC, Executive Director, Newport Academy, Virginia Together, we will explore factors that can contribute to a sense of isolation as a foster, adoptive or kinship parent – and specific strategies for building a sense of belonging, community and accountability within your tribe.  “Tribe” in this sense is in reference to the book Tribe: On Homecoming &amp; Belonging by Sebastian Junger which “explains why we are stronger together when we come together and how that can be achieved”.<p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">Leigh McInnis, LPC is a licensed therapist and licensed clinical supervisor who is currently employed as the Executive Director at Newport Healthcare's Virginia location where she oversees the operations and programming of 4 Adolescent facilities and 3 Young Adult residential treatment facilities. Before finding her professional home at Newport Healthcare, Leigh worked in many public mental health arenas, including nonprofit crisis prevention and response for adults, intensive in-home care for children and adolescents, and residential treatment facilities for children and adolescents where she supported in the development of the clinical milieu for a non-suicidal self-injury unit. Leigh is passionate about partnering with families and communities to support sustainable healing for our clients. Leigh holds a Master's degree in Community Counseling and has training and experience with Attachment Based Family Therapy, Suicide Risk Prevention/Management, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Leigh recently completed the Training for Adoption Competency with the Center for Adoption Support &amp; Education (C.A.S.E.) and is certified as a Brain Health Professional by the Amen Clinic.<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div><p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">Following the Keynote, families will choose from an incredible line up of breakout sessions presented by education and disability experts and FFF staff. <p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">SPRING FORWARD SCHEDULE FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS and PROFESSIONALS<p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">8:30am - 9:00am - REGISTRATION<p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">9:00am -10:15am - WELCOME and KEYNOTE "Fostering Community: Overcoming Isolation, Finding Strength in Connection &amp; Building Your 'Tribe' "      <p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">10:15am -10:30am - break and exhibits <p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">10:30am - 11:40am  - <a href="https://formedfamiliesforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-SF-Session-Descriptions-as-of-4-21-25.pdf" target="_blank">BREAKOUTS SESSION A</a>.  <p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">11:40am - 11:50am - break and exhibits <p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">11:50am - 1:00pm - <a href="https://formedfamiliesforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-SF-Session-Descriptions-as-of-4-21-25.pdf" target="_blank">BREAKOUTS SESSION B</a>. <p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">1:00pm - 2:00pm - LUNCH  (families eat together outside under tent)<p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%"> <p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">Children ages 4-9 will participate in the Camp Sarraka program.  The day will include outdoor activities and creative art projects.  <p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">Youth ages 10-18 will enjoy a guided outdoor challenge course at The EDGE including a tower climb! Please note that appropriate tickets must be purchased in advance for all children and youth participating in Spring Forward. Listed Spring Forward prices include snacks and lunch and are SIGNIFICANTLY DISCOUNTED from the regular EDGE fees of $35 to $45.  <p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">FREE childcare provided on-site for children aged 3 and under.  (No charge, however please register your young child by choosing the appropriate ticket.) <p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">Scholarships will be available for the refund of registration fees for any attending child or youth. Families need to pay for child/youth registrations now; we will share information about scholarships closer to the event date.<p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%">Businesses and Community partners: We welcome <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/sponsorship-2025-spring-forward-foster-adoptive-and-kinship-family-fun-day" target="_blank">SPONSORSHIPS</a>! There are a variety of options for your to promote your brand or products. Limited exhibit tables are also available during the event. Contact Stacia.Stribling@formedfamiliesforward.org for more information on exhibits and sponsorships.<p style="margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 0px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5rem;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;max-width:100%"> THANK YOU to our SPRING FORWARD sponsors, including: Silver Level<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1744749070/wysiwyg/yepbquh9zvlggewtpnxf.jpg" style="width:600px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" />

2025 Spring Forward Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Family Fun Day