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Congratulations to Mindy and Melissa who successfully adopted their son and daughter through foster care! They were part of the Everlasting family and were matched with a potential birthmother after only 1 month, but ultimately were blessed with the opportunity to foster to adopt. We love to share success stories like this. The adoption journey has so many different paths and we love when families become complete no matter which path was taken to get there.

“Dear Carol,

I hope you’re doing well. A few things. First, we have officially been matched with BOTH of our foster babies for adoption, so we no longer want to be on hold. We feel our family is complete!! We would recommend you to anyone looking to adopt–we appreciate how fast a potential birth mom found us, and your letting us put our application on hold until we found out what was happening with our foster babies.  I’ve included a pic of their cute little faces, just because I can. :)”

The adoption process can be overwhelming; both emotionally and mentally. You have worked tirelessly to check off all the items on your to-do list: finances in order, profile complete, home study in process or finished, and yet you feel like something is missing.  Don’t forget to nurture yourself during this journey.  Finding a safe space where you can be surrounded by others who understand what you are going through, may be just what you need.  Below are three resources for finding support during your adoption journey.

Online Communities

With our hectic lives, we don’t always have the time to attend a weekly support group meeting.  Joining an online community can be a perfect alternative. Online communities provide a place for like-minded individuals to share their thoughts, stories, advice, and support.  Those who have been through the process can share their expertise, making useful information available at your fingertips.  Adopting Hands is one of many online communities that offer an abundance of resources for anyone interested in adoption and foster care.  A simple Google search will help you find the community that is right for you. Even if you never post on one of these websites, read through the stories so you can find comfort in knowing you aren’t alone!

Support Centers and Local Churches

If you do have the ability to check out a local support center, it can provide an invaluable experience. Support centers and local churches often host fun get togethers like family picnics, galas, pancake breakfasts, bingo nights, etc. These are fun, no-pressure ways to meet other people who understand what you are going through and maybe even help foster some lifelong friendships. If you are looking for more structured support, consider attending adoption classes or meetings. This database of Support Groups near you is a great resource to find specific meetings and events in your area.

One-On-One Counseling

There is no shame in seeking out private counseling to help navigate all of the emotions you are feeling during this journey. If you tend to be a more private person, this may be the right option for you. Health insurance will often times cover a certain number of counseling sessions a year. Be sure to contact your insurance provider to get more information.  Psychology Today offers an extensive list of counselors by city and state.

Whatever route you take to find support during your adoption journey, don’t forget you are not alone and there are many people out there eager to help. 

You have made the life-changing decision to adopt, but the costs involved to make your dreams come true can be daunting. After factoring in private agency, adoption attorney and home study fees, a domestic, newborn adoption can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000. If you choose to work with Everlasting Adoptions, your adoption could cost up to $24,000 less than with other agencies. Everlasting Adoptions strives to provide affordable adoption services, but we know the expenses involved can be overwhelming. We have compiled a list of resources to help you fund your adoption.

Tax Credit 

One of the best ways to help fund your adoption is to take advantage of the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. According to The Internal Revenue Service, the adoption credit can be used toward qualifying expenses and limited to your tax liability with a maximum amount of $13,460 per child. Parents whose adjusted gross income is under $201,920 will qualify for the entire $13,460.00 credit. Parents whose incomes are between $201,920 and $241,920 will qualify for a partial credit that is prorated. If you earn over $241,920 for the year, you do not qualify for the credit. Please consult a tax professional for more information and your eligibility.

You may also be eligible for a State Adoption Tax Credit, but every state is different so please consult a tax professional for more information on your eligibility.

Loans & Grants

A personal loan is another option to help fund some of the immediate expenses incurred during an adoption. A loan may be a beneficial short term solution, while waiting for the Adoption Tax Credit or other source of reimbursement.  For competitive interest rates and fast approval, Everlasting Adoptions has partnered with LightStream to help finance your adoption. There are many other loan options available through local banks and credit unions.

Grant programs are available to adoptive parents to selectively award funds that do not have to be repaid. Searching for and being awarded grant money is a more time consuming process and requires vetting eligible grant programs and completing applications.  Grants can be difficult to obtain, but can be worth the time and effort. Resources4Adoption is a great website for more information on grants available to adoptive parents.

Employee Benefit Programs

Many private and governmental employers offer adoption assistance and benefits. These might include financial reimbursement, paid and unpaid leave, and resource and referral services. The Dave Thomas Foundation has compiled a list of adoption friendly workplaces. Please inquire with your Human Resources or benefits department to determine what benefits are offered by your company.

Regardless if your company offers specific adoption assistance, most companies must comply with the Family Medical Leave Act. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 is a federal law that requires employers of more than 50 workers to give full-time employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. One must have been employed for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months. Your employer may have more generous benefits, but this offers minimum protection.

Military Subsidies

If you are an active-duty military family, you are eligible for $2,000 reimbursement for adoption expenses, up to 21 days adoption leave, and health care benefits before the adoption is final. Please visit your installation Family Center for more information.

Fundraising

Private fundraising and crowdfunding platforms are other possible, yet generally less accepted methods to help fund your adoption. These options allow friends, family members, and even supportive strangers to give money to help a cause they truly believe in; the miracle of adoption. AdoptTogether and YouCaring are just two of many crowdfunding websites that allow you fundraise online for free. The sky is the limit when it comes to ideas for how to raise money toward your adoption. Bake sales, pancake breakfasts, and garage sales to name a few. Check out this great list put together by Ami at Walking By The Way.

The staff at Everlasting Adoptions are committed to making your dreams of adopting come true. Please contact us to learn more about financing your adoption.

Call us today 630-364-8361   or  visit| www.everlastingadoptions.com

 

 

Adoption brings endless amounts of love and light to the life of a child and the family they become part of. If you are ready to begin your adoption journey or interested in learning more about the gift of adoption, please fill out our free online application at, www.everlastingadoptions.com/free-application/

Barbara joined the Everlasting family 3 years ago and on October 13, 2016 she welcomed her sweet baby boy, Xavier, into the world! While her wait was tough, baby Xavier made every moment worth it when he was born. We are beyond grateful to Xavier’s birthmother for her selfless gift. We are so blessed to have been a part of their journey and can’t wait to watch him grow! Congratulations, Barbara!

We can’t believe it has already been three years since we helped bring him to his forever family. Here is what Kassidy and Brian tell us: Tucker is 3 years old today! We are thankful for you and your company every day. Sending you all of our love!

Michelle is a Mommy! Congratulations to Michelle and her newborn baby girl, Sienna. She is beautiful! Michelle started her adoption journey with Everlasting in September of 2015, and just 12 months later, her dream came true. She experiened some challenges with a few situations that were not meant to be. But, MIchelle persevered and received her bundle of joy. We are thankful to her as well as Sienna’s birthparents for allowing us to share this joyful journey with them all.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from the Staff at Everlasting Adoptions. We are so grateful for all birthmothers who made the courageous decision to give the gift of life. We are so grateful for all adoptive parents who allowed us to build their family through the miracle of adoption. Considering Adoption? carol@everlastingadoptions.com Call or Text: 630-364-8361