Because life is both hard & beautiful
The Ampersand Initiative nonprofit exists to inspire the adoption, foster, and kinship communities to hold space for both of these truths; prioritizing holistic healing through intention, connection, and play.
Our goal is to cultivate a deeply authentic community that feels a bit nostalgic of a simpler time…when communal spaces and cozy homes were soak in tears, rich with laughter, and full of love.
Holistic Retreats
You might have gone to retreats before, but not quite like this one! We host a birth mom only one every May, and one any women touched by adoption/foster/kinship care in September. What makes ours unique:
Set in beautiful locations, often near national parks to enjoy nature
In-house chef with decious, whole foods to feel good inside out!
Luxury homes to spend our days together
Photographer to capture the memories so you can be fully present (plus she’s a HOOT to be around!)
Crafts that anyone can do to encourage creative expression
Workshops to encourage resiliency and thriving through the hardships of life
Lots of FUN and laughter and play, because healing doesn’t always have to be heavy :-)
Join us at the virtual kitchen table for cozy, casual chats about a variety of topics throughout 2026! Meet with Raquel and Leah and ask questions. All proceeds go towards support our nonprofit!
Monthly Workshops
“There’s no review I could leave to explain my gratitude for this retreat and the healing that took place.”
Meredith, birth mom