Want to meet the kids? Come to a Meet & Greet!
There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s personality shine in person, and our Meet & Greets make that possible. Through games, conversation, and shared activities, you’ll get to interact and connect with youth who are waiting for adoption.
The events offer a relaxed, meaningful way to see beyond case files and written descriptions to experience the kids’ joy, humor, and excitement. And while you’re getting to know them at the event, they’ll be getting to know you, too.
Many matches begin at Meet & Greets, and we hope yours will as well!
What is a Meet & Greet?
Meet & Greets are fun, monthly events with activities and games designed to help prospective adoptive parents and youth connect in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. They’re held in person throughout Michigan or offered virtually so families statewide can join.
In-person events typically take place on Saturdays at churches, parks, or other family-friendly spots. Virtual events follow a similar format but take place on Zoom. At the end of the events, youth and parents complete a survey to share if they’d like to get to know someone better. Workers then follow up to take the next steps.
Who can attend?
To participate, you’ll need to have a completed home study and be approved to adopt. We’ll confirm these details with your adoption worker after you register and email you a confirmation once you’re approved to attend.
A few helpful reminders:
Register early, as space is limited. If your plans change, please let us know so we can offer your spot to another waiting family.
If the event is at capacity, we’ll add you to a waitlist and contact you if space becomes available.
Meet & Greets are for prospective adoptive parents only. Please do not bring children.
What to expect at the event
Both in-person and virtual Meet & Greets are structured to help you make real connections with youth while keeping things fun and relaxed.
In-person events usually follow this format:
Check in, receive a name tag, and get a color to help the kids remember you
Parents and youth attend short, separate orientations
Group icebreaker
Activities before and after lunch
Separate debrief sessions for parents and a brief survey for you to indicate interest in any of the youth you met—and for them to share their interest in you!
Virtual events follow a similar flow, but you’ll connect in small breakout rooms instead of having lunch and in-person activities. We’ll provide icebreakers and virtual games, so don’t worry if you’re unsure what to say or do--we’ve got you covered! MARE staff will also be in the rooms to ensure things go smoothly and to help keep conversations going if needed.
Preparing to attend
Our best advice is to come with an open mind. You may be planning to adopt a younger child, but might just find a teen who captures your heart! Some of the strongest connections happen when you least expect them.
Here are some extra tips:
Stick to the event schedule and rotate when prompted to give every child an opportunity to connect and feel valued.
Feeling nervous? You’re not alone! Calm those jitters by reviewing the Meet & Greet FAQ below.
Ask questions before and during the event. We want everyone to feel comfortable and are here to help!
Meet & Greet FAQ
Attending your first Meet & Greet with youth waiting for adoption can bring a mix of emotions—from excitement to nervousness. If you’re feeling a little unsure, here are answers to common questions to help you feel more at ease.
Can I meet a specific youth from the website?
You’re welcome to ask if a youth you saw online is scheduled to attend, but we can’t guarantee that they will. Spots are limited, and the children live throughout the state. Scheduling conflicts can come up, even on the day of the event. We also try to rotate youth, so more have the chance to participate in a Meet & Greet.
What if I want to spend more time with a youth I connect with?
In-person events include flexible time during lunch and after activities. Virtual events are more structured, but you'll still have meaningful one-on-one or small group conversations.
One of the best parts of a Meet & Greet is making unexpected connections. You may find yourself enjoying interacting with a youth you hadn’t considered when reading about them online. Be sure to remember or write down the names of kids you’d like to learn more about so that you can include them when completing your survey at the end of the event.
What if a youth asks personal questions, like my name or where I live?
Keep your response simple and general. You could reply, “Today we’re just using first names. I’m Mike. My color is green so you’ll remember me for the survey.” If they ask where you live, it works well to say something like, “I live in Southeast Michigan.” The kids are usually trying to make conversation and not looking for specifics.
What if a youth asks if I'll adopt them or take them home?
During the youth orientation, MARE staff explain that Meet & Greets are about having fun together, getting to know one another, and that no one goes home with a family that day. If you do get asked, you might say, “Your worker will help make those decisions, but I’m happy we got to hang out today.”
What if a youth shares something difficult about their past?
It is best to acknowledge their feelings and respond with empathy. You could say, “I’m sorry that happened to you. It sounds really hard. I’m glad you came today and that I got to meet you.” Then gently steer the conversation back to enjoying the activities together.
How to register
Meet & Greets are announced through our email list, and a registration link is included in the email. We also post upcoming events on our statewide calendar and homepage.
Questions?
Please contact Jessica Thompson, MARE Recruitment Specialist, by calling 734-528-2070 or emailing jessica_thompson@judsoncenter.org.
