Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Adoption STAR, as financial gifts like yours help support the good work that Adoption STAR does. Without your support, we would not be able to provide the services that are so needed. Here’s a favorite agency-related story that illustrates the power and impact of Adoption STAR:
My name is Courtney and I am a birth mom.
Before my placement, I was a typical young adult. I was a junior at Canisius College. I had friends, I had a boyfriend, and I had a plan for my life. However, I was making some decisions without considering the consequences. My boyfriend and I were together almost four years, and while I had a stinking suspicion that he wasn’t “the one,” I thought I could make him “the one.” Yet, life happened in the most spectacular way and my stinking suspicion became my glaring reality. I was pregnant. When I told my boyfriend, he immediately considered the effect this would have on his life and I knew neither of us was ready to be parents. We agreed on the adoption plan but from that point on, our contact with each other was virtually nonexistent.
I had some tough decisions to make. I told my parents. I started prenatal care. It was there at the hospital where I saw a flyer for adoption agencies. I called Adoption STAR first and there was no need to speak any other agencies.
I can honestly say that Adoption STAR saved my life. It was a difficult time. I had to deal with my classes AND my internship AND the pregnancy hormones. Adoption STAR was there for me the entire way by answering my questions, educating me on the process, the available options, or just listening to me.
It’s hard to explain, but the perfect family for me just appeared. The couple I had originally selected did not want to move forward with a match, which caused me to feel pretty down and as if I wasn’t “good enough.” Adoption STAR assured me that this wasn’t the case, so I kept searching through profiles. Finally, I saw a couple that I connected with immediately. I saw how much a baby would mean for them and I saw some similarities with my own family. I asked to have a meeting with them. I only had to ask a few of my prepared questions before I knew they were the family for me.
I decided on a closed adoption initially and then moved toward a semi-open adoption. Two weeks after I placed, I couldn’t help myself; I called and asked for a visit. I needed it. Luckily, my adoptive family was really receptive and welcomed me with open arms. Since then, the nature of our adoption is very open. We have been to each others’ houses, we’re friends on Facebook, we exchange email and text messages and we typically have a visit once a year. I always feel connected with them. I feel that I can talk to them about anything. With such support behind me, I am able to live my life fully and without regrets.
Now, I’m a lawyer and I’ve been one for almost a year. This was and is my dream career and I’m not sure I would be here without Adoption STAR. The agency’s incredible staff gave me the education, guidance and support that I needed to make the best decision for me. I am so blessed and thankful. This experience made me want to maintain a close relationship with Adoption STAR. Ever since my placement in 2007, I have been sharing my story at open adoption classes and I attend as many events as I can. In September of this year, I joined the Board of Directors. I am very excited for such an opportunity. I want to make sure that Adoption STAR continues to grow and be a positive fixture in the lives of other birthmothers, just like they were for me. 
Adoption STAR prides itself on providing first-rate support, training, advocacy and resources to all members of the adoption triad – adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees.
As a 501 (c) 3 non-profit adoption agency that receives no local, state, or federal government funding, we rely on the financial support of committed donors who understand the importance of the work we do day in, day out. Your financial support is key, especially in light of the following:
- All the services we provide to expectant parents/birth parents are offered to them FREE of charge.
- Family STAR, our post-adoption support program, provides services to adoptive families, birth families and adoptees FREE of charge.
- We routinely lower or completely waive adoption-related expenses for families who take placement of a child with special needs and/or medical issues, because we feel ALL children deserve a loving home.
There are several different options to consider in making a financial gift to Adoption STAR.
- You can make a donation in any amount via credit card by clicking on the following link: Make a Donation Here.
- You can write a check in any amount and mail it to the following address: Adoption STAR, 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228, Attn: Kristin Ackerman
- For a donation of $150.00 or more, you’re entitled to a place on the Adoption STAR Family Tree, where you can have an engraved message in honor of, in memory of, or in celebration of someone (or something) posted in our lobby for all to see! Please click on the following link for more information: http://adoptionstar.com/participate/the-family-tree/.
Regardless of the dollar amount, everyone at Adoption STAR thanks you in advance for your generosity and on-going support of our agency. We wish you and yours a beautiful Thanksgiving season that’s full of love, family, and appreciation for all the fulfillment and richness that life has to offer.
