Welcome To
About Us
The Gathering Well supports, educates, and inspires adoptive and foster families with relevant connection opportunities and resources. We recognize Jesus Christ as the source of hope and healing, and believe that no one should be on this journey alone.
We are a board-run, 501(c)3 organization based in Sioux Falls, SD that exists to educate and create community among the courageous families and professionals who care for children from hard places.
Our Programs
The Gathering Well hosts support events and training programs led by experts on trauma, family health, and other issues faced by courageous adoptive and foster families. We have been where you are now, and we are here for you. Our programs range from once a month family gatherings to 10 week comprehensive therapeutic intervention programs. There’s something for everyone.
To learn more and stay up-to-date on the latest event information, follow us on Facebook.
“The information, resources and community we’ve found at The Gathering Well have been transformative for our family. Previously, we were struggling with how to deal with our daughters’ behaviors stemming from adoption trauma. At The Gathering Well, we found we weren’t alone in our struggle, and we learned practical ways to help our daughters while deepening our relationships with them. The speakers are world-class, with research-based information and real-world experience, always biblically-based, and willing to answer our specific questions. The community at The Gathering Well is authentic and encouraging, giving us an opportunity to discuss our unique situations. And, child-care is a dream, with a huge team of trauma-informed professionals who both teach and love on our children, making it one of their favorite nights of every month. We only wish we’d had this resource prior to our adoptions! Whether you’re dreaming of adopting or fostering, or already in the throws, I’d highly recommend The Gathering Well as part of your support system!”
Laura Ellerbroek
“I took the Making Sense of Your Worth class back in the summer of 2023. At the time I was on a spiritual pursuit as well, so when this came along it was something I didn’t know I needed. This course was very raw emotionally and made me tap into places that had been locked away in my mind for years, and unlocking those doors freed pieces of my worth that I needed to move forward in my life. I didn’t realize that I had been even spiritually stunted because of how I saw my worth. This class helped to reconnect me to God, my children, and others in a way that I didn’t expect it to. It helped me to see some ugly truths about myself and ways that my feelings of unworthiness spilled over into my children’s lives as well.
Today, I sit in a different light, knowing that I and others did the best we knew how and we deserved better, right at the intersection of forgiveness, acceptance, and gratitude. This is just where I need to be right now. I believe this was a godsend and I expect for it to continue to help me navigate things in my life as they come.”
Jacqlyn W.