This month, ICA was thrilled to once again host the Empowered to Connect simulcast at Calvary Chapel Murrieta. With both repeat attendees and new faces, as well as some brand new ETC content, participants were challenged, encouraged, and given the opportunity to be stretched in new directions.
The Empowered to Connect Conference is a two day event presented by Show Hope and the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development. It strives to equip families, churches, and professionals to better serve children impacted by adoption and foster care. The end goal of ETC is to bring attachment and connection within the family. We asked a few attendees to briefly share some some of their favorite tidbits that they gleaned from the conference.
Michael and Trisha are just beginning the adoption process. They loved how the speakers placed the focus on the relationship with the child rather than allowing discipline to be the sole focus.“I was convicted, challenged, and encouraged”, says Michael.
They felt that that tools presented will benefit them with any future adoptive children as well as their biological children.
Jeff and Krystle are in the process of adopting and attended ETC to complete self-training hours. Jeff loved how ETC speaker, Daren, dealt with a situation by using the theory of levels. Children are given an option of how to solve the problem based on which level they are at.
Tim and Rayna are in the process of adopting their first child. They came to ETC to prepare for themselves for their upcoming adoption. The fact that the different speakers mentioned that parents should be “the biggest advocate for their child” resonated with their personal goal of being educated and equipped to be the best parents to their child. When we asked Tim to share something that stood out at the conference, he responded, “I loved he illustration given about meeting the needs of the child by looking through the lens of a newborn babe. You wouldn’t yell at a newborn, you would communicate in a way that would meet the need.
It’s been exciting to see how ETC has helped families break through barriers that seemed impenetrable. Most who attend ETC would agree that this conference is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. We hope you’ll consider joining us next year!
