I have exciting news… I'm adopting a newborn baby! I’m sure you’re wondering what caused me to make this decision. Well, this is my story…
In 2003, at 21 years old, I became pregnant. At the time, I was an active member of my church, so when church leaders encouraged me to have an abortion, I was devastated. I was in college, away from my family, and my child’s father was unsupportive—I felt completely alone. Against my better judgment, I followed the poor advice of the church leaders and made the biggest mistake of my life.
In the 20 years since that time, I have earned four degrees, established a successful career in nursing, and become a "village auntie" to several children, including my four godchildren. But something has always been missing. Like most women, I desire to be a mother, but as a single woman, motherhood felt like it was out of reach for me.
Once I began looking into the adoption process, the story of God's grace, mercy, and redemption became clear. Being a parent is not out of reach simply because I am a single woman; my journey to motherhood just looks different than most.
Instead of hosting a baby shower or registering for clothes and toys, I am mobilizing my community to support me through contributions toward my adoption fees. The average cost of a U.S. adoption is $35,000. I have already committed $10,000 toward my adoption fees, and I would love for you to consider joining me on this journey.
I know this is a big ask, but it is from the heart. As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child." Please be an essential part of my village–let's adopt together.
My home study is now complete and I am overjoyed. The first and last visits were pretty simple, but that middle visit was a doozy. I’m glad I only had to have that experience once. Whew.
I should have my home study report in a few weeks and I will be officially licensed and waiting once the contract is signed and the first portion of my agency fees are paid.
As always, I am grateful for your support. I couldn’t do any of this without you!
Tiffany
Good morning, everyone! Last week I completed my state-mandated adoption class. There was a lot of information to learn about adoption, parenting, and ways to lessen negative outcomes of family trauma. We also had the opportunity to speak to a family who recently adopted using Hope Cottage (my adoption agency). That was an added bonus. The information was great and I learned more than I thought I would.
The next step is the home study. As a single parent, my study should be a total of three visits: two in my home and one at the agency. My first visit is scheduled for Friday, April 5th… less than a week after I move into my new apartment. What was I thinking?!?! Well, I was honestly thinking that it would be easier to move before placement. If I would have waited until baby comes home, I’d need an additional home study visit (maybe two).
I also learned the agency fees associated with my adoption will be $30,000. I’m grateful, as this is lower than the average cost. Once you add in the cost of classes, home study, and attorney fees, I’ll be at about $35,000. That said, I want to thank you, again, for your donation. I couldn’t do it without you!
As soon as the home study is complete, I will begin applying for adoption grants. I hope to pay for the adoption without the use of loans. Please keep me in your prayers.
Tiffany
Good morning, friends and family!
I have been diligently working on my adoption application and will submit it this week. While I don't foresee any issues, please pray that things go smoothly and I quickly progress to the home study. I will take a state-mandated adoption education course in a few weeks. I'll send another update once the home study begins.
Thank you again for your support, whether financial or emotional. As I approach motherhood, I am both excited and slightly overwhelmed. My dream of being a mother is coming true. Thank you for coming alongside me on this journey.
Tiffany
With your help, we’ve raised $2,500 toward the adoption fees. THANK YOU!!!
Asking people to donate funds isn’t easy (especially for someone who is fiercely independent), but it’s necessary. Private adoption is costly, and for good reason. When working with a reputable agency, they should provide ongoing pre-birth support to expectant parents and waiting families and post-birth support to birth parents, adoptive parents, and, of course, their child(ren). There are operational costs to help keep the lights on, employee salaries to consider, etc. The money needed to support the adoption agency comes from fees and donations. Altogether, adoption fees are expensive but necessary.
We chose to use Adopt Together instead of another crowdfunding site for a few important reasons:
1. We wanted people to be secure in the legitimacy of this adoption. This isn’t a joke or a scam (and those who know Mom know she’s a person of integrity).
2. We wanted your donation to be tax-deductible. When it comes to tax payments or refunds, every little bit counts.
3. We wanted you to be able to use employer matching or other matching options you may have. Matching is an excellent fundraising tool because it costs you nothing more than you’d already planned to give. For us, it’s an added boost toward our goal.
We will also apply for grants through Adopt Together and other adoption grant organizations. Most funders do not allow potential adoptive families to apply for grants until their home study is complete. Based on the adoption agency’s timeline, our home study should be complete by the end of May 2024. At that time, we will apply for any grants for which we qualify, and upon receipt of any grant funds, we will decrease our Adopt Together fundraising goal.
Our final option to help cover the cost of the adoption is private loans. We are trying hard not to go that route, but it is available if needed. For now, we’d like to raise as much money as possible among our friends, family, and other supporters.
Again, thank you for your financial support and even more for your prayers and encouragement.
Love,
Tiffany and Baby Montgomery
In just a few hours, we’ve met nearly 10% of the goal… THANK YOU!!!
Many of you have asked if you can share this page with others. Absolutely! We just request that you don’t post it social media. If you want to send the information to someone via text message, email, or direct message, feel free. We will make a social media announcement once the adoption is finalized.
Others of you are asking if donations need to be made right away. Absolutely not. Donations will be accepted until the goal is met. Once the application is completed, donations will go toward the final adoption fee. After placement, donations will be used to as reimbursement for expenses previously paid (you’ll help mommy to pay off any loans she has to take out) or they will be placed in a college fund for the baby.
No matter how large or small, how frequent, or the timing of your donation, it will be put to good use. And remember, all donations are tax deductible.
Thank you again. We love you all so much!
Tiffany and Baby Montgomery
