Kaleb & Erica Mertz

Hello friends and family!

We have been on an adventure working through fertility struggles, navigating the ups and downs of trying to expand our family. After much prayer and consideration, we are excited to share with you our decision to pursue domestic adoption, and we are hoping that you can be a part of this incredible journey!

Domestic adoption is a beautiful way to build a family and provide a loving home for a child, but it involves many steps and considerations. Because it is such an in-depth process, the costs will add up to a total of anywhere between $45k and $65k. That is why we're sharing our story with a humble request for any contribution you can make to our adoption fund. We have been putting our best foot forward to save as much as we can to cover the majority of the costs ourselves, but we still need help. We want to be wise and make sure that we are financially prepared for a match, which could happen in as soon as three months or as long as two years. If you’re interested in more detail about the adoption process and why the cost is so high, the bottom of this letter has some additional information that may be helpful.

In our quest to make this fundraising effort engaging and meaningful, we have chosen to create a symbolic puzzle (pictured in the photo gallery). Each puzzle piece represents a financial contribution, no matter how small or large. By participating in this unique initiative, you become an integral piece in completing our “family puzzle”. We will write the name of each person/family who purchases a puzzle piece on the back of that piece. We plan to encase the puzzle in a frame with glass on both sides so that we can look back and see, not just the completed puzzle, but the names of all those who supported us and our child along the way.

Now, we want to emphasize that we completely understand if you're not able to contribute financially. We truly need and appreciate all kinds of support—whether it's spreading the word, sharing any resources or helpful information, or most importantly just keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read our note and for considering our request. You all mean the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful to have you in our lives!

Love, Kaleb & Erica

One of the most common questions asked is why the cost of domestic adoption is often significant. Here are some factors that contribute to the expenses associated with domestic adoption:

1. Birth Parent Expenses: In most cases, expectant birth parents require financial assistance for medical care, counseling, living expenses, and other necessities during their pregnancy. Adoptive families contribute to these expenses as a way of ensuring the well-being of the birth mother and supporting her decision to place her child for adoption.

2. Home Study: This involves background checks, interviews, and assessments by licensed social workers or adoption agencies. The home study ensures that the adoptive family is suitable to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child.

3. Legal Fees: Adoption involves a significant amount of legal work, including filing paperwork, obtaining consent from biological parents, terminating parental rights if necessary, and finalizing the adoption in court.

4. Attorneys specializing in adoption play a crucial role in ensuring the legal process is followed accurately and ethically.

5. Agency or Facilitator Fees: Many families work with adoption agencies or facilitators who guide them through the adoption process, provide counseling and support, and match them with expectant birth parents.

6. Post-Adoption Support: The journey does not end once the adoption is finalized. Many adoption agencies and organizations offer post-adoption support services, including counseling, educational resources, and access to support groups, to help adoptive families adjust and thrive after welcoming their child.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us!