After the hurricane, Volunteers of America staff felt great concern for couples awaiting adoptive children through our Adoption and Maternity Program. One adoption was actually in process, though we weren’t certain of the location of the adoptive parents and how it could be finalized with no court system in place.
Soon after the storm, Volunteers of America made a commitment to keeping the Adoption program flourishing in New Orleans. The adoption already begun was completed in Monroe, with cooperation from the adoptive parents, birthparents and others who offered help.
One of the couples who benefitted from this decision are Stephen and Vicky, who had qualified as prospective adoptive parents. During the uncertain times after Katrina, they considered other adoption options, but we decided to stay with our program.
Stephen and Vicky are typical of the couples who turn to Adoption and Maternity. After trying unsuccessfully to conceive, they wanted to fulfill their dream of parenthood and help a child in need of a loving family. This spring their dream came true. Birthparents, who wanted the open adoption available through Volunteers of America, selected them as adoptive parents. With openness in adoption, the birthparents have the opportunity to select the adoptive family, meet them and develop an outgoing relationship if they choose.
Stephen and Vicky named their daughter Emma. For them and the birthparents, open adoption has been positive. They have periodic visits with Emma's birthparents and exchange pictures and letters. Say Stephen and Vicky, “It gives us joy to have Emma's birth parents involved in our lives. Emma is blessed to have so many people who love and care for her.”
They describe Emma as an unimaginable joy. They hope to one day adopt a second child through Volunteers of America. “With both of us having family who lost everything to the hurricane, receiving Emma into our family gave everyone a renewed sense of hope and faith.”
Call (504) 835-3005 for information about Adoption and Maternity.
