Donna & Eric Nystrom with their daughter Ariana, who they adopted from foster care in 2012

Agape’s private adoption program provides important supports for birth parents who are experiencing crisis pregnancies. The program includes case management, counseling, referrals for medical and other services as necessary, and information about Open Adoption, which makes provision for ongoing contact between birth families and adoptive families. Birth families, or community members seeking information on behalf of birth families, are encouraged to contact Agape at any point in the pregnancy. We understand that unexpected pregnancies can feel scary and stressful, and we are happy to be able to help resolve these feelings.

One of Agape’s critical private adoption programs is offered through the agency’s Cradle Care* families, who provide safety and love to children until they are able to be placed in the physical custody of their “forever families”. One of the agency’s Cradle Care families recently shared this remarkable experience of praying for and witnessing this remarkable journey…

We picked up Joy (not her real name) directly from the hospital at age 2 days. She was a perfect little girl in every way! Our only hope and concern were that she would be adopted by a family who would truly love and care for her. Our prayers were answered! On Wednesday of last week the adoptive family came to our home to meet Joy and take her home. We handed her to the adoptive father and he was crying tears of joy. Other family members present were the adoptive mother, grandmother and 5 year old daughter, who was wearing a shirt that said “I’m a big sister.” The new big sister wanted to hold the baby and the mother leaned close to them while the father took photos for their memory book. Just before they left to take Joy to her new home and family, the mother said “God brought you into this world for a reason and now you’re going to come home with us.”

Agape – thank you for giving us this opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and do God’s work.

*Agape requires that Cradle Care families complete background checks and be willing to become licensed as Family Foster Home – Respite providers.