Affording Adoption
Funds for Families loan provides reassurance for families
For almost two years, Jason and Jill had known they wanted to adopt. The initial fees required were steep, however, and the couple wondered how they would afford a child without depleting their savings account. When they heard about Funds for Families, Jason and Jill filled out the one-page application and were called the next day, receiving approval. With a financial “safety net” in place to start their life as a family, Jason and Jill couldn’t have been more thrilled.
A Cautious Decision
The desire to turn their house into a family home came almost two years ago for Jason and Jill. After “kicking around the idea” of adopting, the two began the process a few months later. Although the couple could financially support a child, they were leery of emptying their savings to pay the initial costs associated with adoption. “We still wanted that security in case of an emergency,” says Jill. “And with a baby, you have to pay for diapers, formula, well-baby visits…” she says, noting the expenses wouldn’t end with adoption fees. “That’s when we found out about Funds for Families.”
Another Way
Funds for Families, a loan provided by West Michigan Community Bank and Adoption Associates, Inc. (AAI), was created to assist families who have the desire to adopt, but may not have the initial funds it takes to pay the fees involved in adoption. Jill says the funding program fit their needs perfectly. “We wouldn’t have been able to do what we needed or would have liked to do for the baby without it,” says Jill. “When we found out about Funds for Families, it took a huge burden off our shoulders and we could sleep a little easier at night.”
The Funds for Families Loan helps clients of Adoption Associates, Inc. bridge the gap between the time funds are needed during the adoption process and the time it takes to receive the federal tax credit/refund for adoption expenses. “It helps us to know we still have that safety net,” says Jill.
An Easy Road
After the couple discovered Funds for Families, the application process was simple and quick. “It was one form, one-sided: I couldn’t believe it,” said Jill. “I faxed it in and got a phone call the next day, saying we’d been approved! I couldn’t have been happier with the whole process.” For Jason and Jill, the majority of the initial adoption costs were covered. Having never heard of such a loan before, they were thrilled. “We were surprised that such a thing is out there,” says Jill. “We were elated.”
Beginning the Process
Jill says the adoption process was overwhelming at first, but that she and Jason were walked through it by AAI employees. “They explained things so well that we didn’t have any questions!” says Jill. Besides providing thorough explanations, Jill says AAI worked flexibly with the couple’s schedule, since they live far from any AAI office. “They would meet when our schedules allowed, and we would do things by phone/fax when we could,” she says. Once the paperwork was finished, all that Jason and Jill had left to do was wait for a birth mother to choose them.
Along came Owen
Jason and Jill were open to adopting either gender, and the birth mother of a boy soon chose Jason and Jill as adoptive parents. The three met at the AAI office in Farmington Hills, and Jill says it was a “wonderful experience.” Once the couple brought their new son, Owen, home to stay, they could hardly wait to become a family. “He’s very easygoing and affectionate,” says Jill. “We thought our lives were complete before we had him, but now we know! Our circle is complete.”
Funds for the Future
If Jill and Jason decide to adopt again someday, Jill says knowing the Funds for Families loan exists will provide encouragement. “It really helps us decide,” she says. “We would have still adopted [Owen] if we hadn’t gotten the loan, but it’s just a big added bonus for us.” With a dependable balance due each month on their loan, Jill says she and Jason find reassurance in knowing how much will be owed. “I would totally recommend Funds for Families to anyone with an interest,” she says.
Plans
Jason and Jill, who enjoy camping, spending time outdoors and relaxing with family, say they have big plans for their son. “When he gets older, we’ll travel to Arizona to see his grandparents and we have to take him to Disneyworld!” says Jill. Even on a day-to-day basis, Jill says life will be much different―for the better. “With a child, we’ll experience the small things in life we wouldn’t experience without him,” she says. “Like his first Christmas, first tooth, the Easter Bunny…it will be great.”
For More Information
To learn more, please visit our Funds for Families web page.
