Money should never stand between waiting kids and their forever family.
But historically, cost often tops the list of concerns for those considering adoption. Home studies, court fees, legal representation, and agency costs can feel daunting and prohibitive, whether adopting domestically or inter-country. To combat this obstacle, Hands of Hope offers a matching grant for those pursuing adoption.
Facilitated through Lifesong for Orphans, the Hands of Hope Matching Grant is based on individual financial needs, supplementing each family’s own ability to save and contribute. Donor gifts are matched, so every dollar is doubled. When Alannah and Ty decided to begin the adoption process, the fees began mounting quickly.
To bring their son home, Alannah says, “every dollar counted.” Alannah and Ty applied for Hands of Hope’s grant while saving on their own. Alannah says the community response was staggering. “We were blown away by the amount of people in our village who were willing to come alongside us,” she says. “People got very excited that their money was being doubled when given to us.” She adds that working through an established, trusted organization like Hands of Hope also provided confidence for those who gave.
“People knew that the money was going toward the right things,” Alannah says. “There was that trust factor.” Now, as part of a new family of three, Alannah continues to urge that money is no match for the power of God’s faithfulness. “The financial burden of adoption is daunting,” she says. “When only looking at those numbers, it is easy to consider other ways to grow your family or be the hands and feet of Christ. However, adoption is one of God’s callings and therefore he shows up in big and mighty ways.”
She encourages others not to shy away from pursuing adoption based solely on financial concerns. “If finances are the only reason you are hesitating, saying no, or trying to skirt around what you feel like God is calling you to do, I’d encourage you to take a breath, remind yourself of the ways that God has provided time and time again, and trust that the Lord will provide the finances to continue to write the story that has already been started. Take the leap of faith—we promise you won’t regret it.”
Interested in learning more about adoption? Join the next Hands of Hope Adoption Information Meeting later this month!
Written By: Sarah Norris