Hyatt Regency Greenwich
1800 East Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich, CT 06870

Join us for our signature fundraising event!

This year, we are excited to have two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton with us as our Master of Ceremonies for the evening and again welcome author, speaker, and Christie's ambassador Lydia Fenet with us as our auctioneer. In addition, we expect a packed dance floor as this year’s music will again be provided by Tangled Vine, five-time Best of the Gold Coast “Best Local Rock Band” winner.

There is so much need in our community, but FCA has been here for more than 80 years to embrace, empower, and support our neighbors. Whether it's providing parenting education and after-school programming, offering mental health care to clients of all ages, delivering foster care and adoption services, helping adults struggling with substance use disorder or homelessness, or supporting seniors maintain their dignity and quality of life, FCA is here for our neighbors at every age.

Tickets and Information Sponsorship Packet

DCA Meadowlands
274 Middlesex Rd #1, Darien, CT 06820

FCA's Mother’s Day Tea returns on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at DCA Meadowlands in Darien! We look forward to gathering with friends to celebrate extraordinary women and to raising important funds for FCA and welcome you to join us.

Proceeds from the Mother’s Day Tea will support FCA and memorial funds honoring Charlotte Taverna and Allison Haupt, two special volunteers who left a lasting impression on the Agency. We are fortunate to have had Charlotte and Allison in our FCA family, honored that we were so important to them, and especially grateful for all the roles they played over the years.

Join us for light bites, refreshments, a program presentation, and an incredible shopping boutique with local vendors! Find that special someone a gift just in time for Mother’s Day and 10% of your purchase will benefit Family & Children’s Agency.

Tickets and Information Printable Sponsorship PacketPrintable Vendor Packet

Love Bella
1115 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT 06905

Light bites and refreshments will be provided.

Shop with us at Love Bella and you’ll receive 10% off and an additional 10% will be donated to Family & Children’s Agency.

Can’t attend? Shop online on February 6 and enter code “FCA” to receive 10% off and Love Bella will donate another 10% to Family & Children’s Agency.
www.shoplovebella.com

To let us know you’re coming, email JSerrao@fcagency.org

This is the last week of the Giving Fund, The Hour’s partnership with Family & Children’s Agency to help community members in need this holiday season. With an additional ten stories of area residents struggling this holiday season, we’ve brought you 60 cases to consider supporting. This week’s cases include a mom who needs a driver’s license, a woman who took in her niece, a young man with autism who needs to build his life skills, and more.

Every story carries a unique case number, allowing you to direct your donation to a specific individual or to the broader Client Support Fund at FCA via https://bit.ly/FCAgiving24 or the QR code provided.

To protect their privacy, names and details have been changed, and many of those mentioned are unaware their story has been shared. Any donations exceeding a client’s immediate needs will go toward the FCA Client Support Fund, ensuring your generosity continues to support others in need.

Thank you for supporting the Giving Fund and helping neighbors right here in our backyard!

151: Iyana is struggling. She has six children ranging from infancy to pre-teen and has been unable to find a job. She needs to get her driver's license so she can transport her children to all their appointments and school, as well as open her to more work opportunities. The lessons are pricey, and a gift of $500 would help her enroll so she can begin the process of getting her license. Driving would give her so much more freedom and safety.

152: Christina recently took in her infant niece when the baby's parents were unable to care for her. She really stepped up for the baby in this difficult situation, but unexpectedly becoming a parent is financially challenging for someone on a limited income. A gift of $400 would allow her to purchase some basic items for the baby, including a rocker, diapers, and other supplies.

153: Tiana has spent much of her life in foster care but was recently able to reunify with her biological mom. Having been removed from her for so long, Tiana doesn't have a bed in the home. A gift of $350 would get her a new bed so she doesn't have to sleep on the couch and she and her mom can be more comfortable as they continue to bond.

154: It's an exciting time for Xavier- having spent much of his life in foster care he's about to be adopted by his foster family! A gift of $400 would help the family continue Xavier's extracurricular activities and pay for his needs as he becomes an official member of their family.

155: Lisa is a devoted single mother to four children but has limited resources. She's been struggling to mee their basic needs like putting food on the table and furnishing their rooms as they grow out of their old items. A gift of $500 would be a tremendous help to Lisa and her children so they can have comfortable bedrooms.

156: Cassidy is a single mother living in a hotel due to domestic violence. She has been having trouble finding an apartment, and living in a hotel is expensive. She often doesn't have any extra funds for her children.  A gift of $500 would help Cassidy afford the first month's rent on a new apartment so her family can move out of the hotel and into a more permanent solution.

157: June is a single mom with two small kids. Her son, Liam, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. The family became homeless after June lost her job during COVID and it's been very difficult for them to find a handicapped-accessible unit to move into. She has finally been approved for a place that will accommodate a wheelchair but needs the security deposit. A gift of $500 will help them move into their new opportunity and give them a much more stable life. 

158: Clara and her three children were living with Clara's abusive husband in Texas when, after a traumatizing and violent interaction, Clara and her children were thrown out of the house. They came to Norwalk to live with family, but having been in Texas they are not at all prepared for winter. A gift of $400 would allow them to get some coats, winter boots, and warm sweaters as they experience their first cold winter.

159: Lucas is a young man with autism in foster care. He and his foster family work daily with providers to develop his life skills. A gift of $400 would help his foster mother pay for additional services such as occupational therapy and physical therapy that are outside of his insurance coverage.

160: Kai is a 7-year-old little boy in foster care. His foster mom has been struggling to meet his significant emotional and physical needs. A gift of $250 would help her buy some therapeutic tools to help Kai as he overcomes past trauma and learns coping skills.

There are just two weeks left of the Giving Fund, The Hour’s partnership with Family & Children’s Agency to help community members in need this holiday season. So far, more than $6,000 has been donated directly to our neighbors by readers, a very generous outpouring of support. Unfortunately, many cases have received no funding at all. This week, stories include parents looking for services for disabled children, a family in need of winter supplies after escaping domestic violence in Texas, a student who needs help to succeed in classes, and more.

Every story carries a unique case number, allowing you to direct your donation to a specific individual or to the broader Client Support Fund at FCA via https://bit.ly/FCAgiving24 or the QR code provided.

To protect their privacy, names and details have been changed, and many of those mentioned are unaware their story has been shared. Any donations exceeding a client’s immediate needs will go toward the FCA Client Support Fund, ensuring your generosity continues to support others in need.

Thank you for supporting the Giving Fund and helping neighbors right here in our backyard!

141: Logan is a dedicated and well-rounded high school senior who balances applying to college and shouldering significant responsibilities at home, including working multiple jobs to help his family. His mom recently had major surgery and medical bills are piling up. A gift of $500 would ease this burden and allow Logan to continue performing well in school so he can have a bright future ahead.

142: Flora is 65 years old and has been a foster mom for many years. She currently has two children she adopted through foster care, and one has diabetes and learning delays. Money is tight, but Flora loves these kids and gives them a stable home. A gift of $300 would help her pay for groceries for herself and her two teens, giving her some financial breathing room.        

143: Camila and her husband have a beautiful baby boy, Angel, who was born with a malformation of his arm. The family is struggling to meet their basic needs, juggling multiple jobs with medical appointments for Angel. A $500 gift would greatly help the family with necessities and therapy for Angel, especially as winter approaches and job opportunities for seasonal workers become even more limited.    

144: Scarlett is 26 and recently re-enrolled in college. She is working hard to finish her education and reach her goals, but school supplies and gas are very expensive. A gift of $350 would help her alleviate some of the financial burden so she can focus on her schoolwork.   

145: Val is a single mom with five children. The stress of working so hard to provide for the kids has taken a toll on her mental health, and her bills have been mounting. She's working with FCA to get enrolled in whatever programs she may be eligible for, but with so much debt she finds it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A gift of $500 would help her see the brighter days ahead.      

146: Bill works hard and is raising two young children on his own. He works hard, but as the weather gets colder the costs are rising and he's struggling. A gift of $250 would help him get some warmer bedding so the kids can be comfortable at night and get some good sleep.           

147: Gabrielle works as a caregiver for the elderly but could use some help herself. Her paycheck is completely dedicated to food and transportation to get to her clients. She wants to move closer to her job to cut costs, but she can't afford the moving fees and she's getting more and more in debt. A gift of $500 would help her move to a more affordable apartment closer to work, easing this financial burden.      

148: May had an incredibly traumatic experience and developed a substance use disorder as a coping mechanism. She's been in recovery, working hard to stay sober and heal her mental health struggles. She is working to set herself and her family up with a solid foundation where she will be financially stable enough to solidify her own permanent housing for herself and her children. A gift of $450 would allow May to pay for her new home so she and her children can start a new chapter.        

149: At 74 years old, Ramon is the single father to a 9-year-old boy. Ramon's social security income is barely enough to pay for the rent and all his sons need. Ramon's son really wants to play soccer, but registration and equipment is expensive. A gift of $400 would get Ramon's son on a soccer team and the clothing, cleats, and other supplies he would need. 

150: Anthony is a young man with autism who is in foster care. He's working with his foster mom to develop his life skills, including his language and communication, social skills, and executive functioning. A gift of $500 would help Anthony enroll in a program to help further develop these skills so he can be as independent as possible.            

We are more than halfway through the Giving Fund, and we are grateful to all those who have contributed so far! Unfortunately, there is so much need in our area, and so many deserving community members need your help. This week, we are sharing stories of a child in foster care being adopted, a family struggling to afford basic needs, a homeless mom trying to make a Christmas for her daughter, and more.

Every story carries a unique case number, allowing you to direct your donation to a specific individual or to the broader Client Support Fund at FCA via https://bit.ly/FCAgiving24 or the QR code provided.

To protect their privacy, names and details have been changed, and many of those mentioned are unaware their story has been shared. Any donations exceeding a client’s immediate needs will go toward the FCA Client Support Fund, ensuring your generosity continues to support others in need.

Thank you for supporting the Giving Fund and help neighbors right here in our backyard. Your generosity makes a real difference for the people we serve, and we couldn’t do this work without you.

131: Corinne, 15, recently moved into a new apartment with her mom and three siblings. Although her mom works tirelessly at multiple jobs, she's struggling to afford even the basics to make their new space feel like home. Without furniture, Corinne and her siblings have nowhere to study or sleep comfortably, adding to the stress her mother already carries. A gift of $500 would help them purchase essentials, turning an empty apartment into a real home where Corinne and her family can finally feel settled and safe.  

132: Maxine just turned 83 and, although she has spent most of her life welcoming foster children into her home, she has found herself struggling financially. Her daughter has academic and mental health struggles, and her husband recently passed away. A gift of $300 will Maxine pay for groceries and cleaning supplies so she can focus on becoming more financially stable.  

133: Damon is a baby with serious medical issues. He's been in foster care since he was just a few months old, and his foster mother will soon be granted guardianship. A gift of $250 will help his mother pay for the transfer of guardianship and cover some of his medical costs.     

134: Delia is 12 years old and lives with her parents and younger sibling. The family lives paycheck to paycheck and rising rent costs have been difficult. They are currently very stressed trying to figure out how to cover their rent while proving household supplies, winter clothing, and other essentials. A gift of $450 would help them cover these basic needs and ease their financial burden.       

135: Olivia is a single mother who is temporarily residing in a hotel while she tries to find supportive housing. She recently shared she won't be able to provide Christmas for her daughter and she has no family nearby to share the holiday. She's struggling with guilt and loneliness. A gift of $500 would allow her to provide a real Christmas for her daughter and cover a few days in the hotel while she looks for a better solution.  

136: Jodie is a teenager in foster care who is participating in a credit recovery program which requires access to a laptop to complete her coursework effectively. A gift of $300 would provide her with the necessary technology for this class and others in the future, ensuring she is better prepared and poised for academic success.  

137: Elise, just 10 years old, witnessed a murder and is dealing with severe trauma. She is a good student and is working hard to manage her PTSD symptoms. She lives with her siblings and grandparents in a one-bedroom apartment, and the family desperately needs more space. A gift of $500 would assist her family with a security deposit for a larger apartment.            

138: Casey is in foster care and has serious medical needs which require occupational therapy to help him feel safe and stable. Unfortunately, many of these therapies are not covered by his insurance. Casey's foster mother is adopting him, and a gift of $350 would help her pay for these needs as the two begin their new chapter as an official family.

139: Verna lives on a very limited income and hasn't been able to afford her phone bill the last few months, leaving her isolated and limiting her ability to rely on her support network. A gift of $150 would help her reinstate her service and be reconnected with her family and community.         

140: Miles and his three siblings are being raised by their hardworking mother who has also recently taken in refugees from her home country, a truly generous act. Unfortunately, Miles has difficulty with speech and is dealing with bullying at school. A gift of $500 would help Miles' mom get him into therapy to help his speech issues and restore his confidence.       

See this story in the Norwalk Hour

As the Giving Fund continues, we are reminded of the resilience within our community and the critical role generosity plays in helping our neighbors overcome life’s challenges. Whether it’s assisting a family with utility bills, helping a mom get her driver’s license, or enrolling a child in dance classes, your support turns need into opportunity.

Every story carries a unique case number, allowing you to direct your donation to a specific individual or to the broader Client Support Fund at FCA via https://bit.ly/FCAgiving24 or the QR code provided.

To protect their privacy, names and details have been changed, and many of those mentioned are unaware their story has been shared. Any donations exceeding a client’s immediate needs will go toward the FCA Client Support Fund, ensuring your generosity continues to support others in need.

This is more than giving—it’s about providing hope, stability, and the chance for a brighter future. Together, we can uplift our community and create lasting change for those who need it most. Thank you for your kindness and support.

121: Willow is 5 years old and was adopted from DCF after having dealt with a lot of trauma in her young life. Willow would benefit from dance classes to boost her confidence and give her a positive outlet, but money is tight. A gift of $300 would give her a few months of dance classes.    

122: Sophia and her two-year-old son recently escaped Sophia's abusive ex and are finally safe. Sophia works hard but her hours at work were recently cut and she's struggling to make ends meet. A gift of $450 would allow her to buy essentials like food and diapers while she looks for more stable work.     

123: Ashley is the mother of five children, some of whom have special needs. As Ashley's husband works hard to provide for the family, Ashley must stay home to care for them. A gift of $300 would help them provide warm winter clothing for all the kids as the weather gets colder.       

124: Morgan is a sophomore in high school and is excelling in school. Her deeply loving parents work long hours to provide for Morgan and her brother, who has autism. Every day, instead of hanging out with her friends, Morgan spends countless hours tutoring and comforting her brother while her parents work. A gift of $400 would bring much-needed relief to this hard-working family, easing some of the financial strain and allowing them to get some more professional support for Morgan's brother so she can enjoy her teenage years.    

125: Hugo is new to this country and is quickly learning the culture and language. While dealing with the stress of change, he also has mental health and is managing the emotional toll of being away from family and familiar support networks. In addition, he recently had back surgery which involves a long recovery process. A gift of $500 would alleviate some of this financial stress, allowing Hugo to focus on his physical and mental recovery and begin building a stable future in his new home.           

126: Pearl is a very independent 87-year-old woman. She has worked hard all her life, buying her own home and taking care of her beloved pet dogs. Unfortunately, she's had some unexpected expenses lately as she has had some major vet bills for her pups and has now fallen behind on her utility bills. A gift of $500 would help get Pearl back on track so she can continue to age in comfort in her home.         

127: Eugene is taking care of his toddler great-granddaughter after she was removed from her parents' care. As prices rise, Eugene's fixed income has become a challenge. A gift of $300 would allow him to buy this little girl clothing, shoes, and winter gear for the cold weather.

128: Mia is autistic and benefits greatly from engaging in art activities, which help manage her impulsiveness and provide a positive outlet for her creativity. She needs new colored pencils, paper, markers, and other art supplies so she can continue developing this talent. A gift of $250 would help Mia continue her art and increase her self-expression and well-being.      

129: Aubrey is in foster care and has serious medical needs. She requires constant nursing care, but insurance will only pay for so much, leaving her foster mother to cover a lot of the time and preventing her from getting a break. A gift of $500 would allow her foster mom to pay for a bit of extra nursing coverage so she can take time to recharge.         

130: Emily is in her 30s and was recently hospitalized due to her chronic health condition. She has enrolled in school so she can get her career goals back on track but needs to renew her driver’s license. A gift of $300 would help cover the fees and courses she needs to take so she can get her license and the freedom and flexibility that comes with being able to drive.           

As the Giving Fund enters its second week, the stories of need in our community continue to shed light on the challenges many of our neighbors face. From catching up on overdue bills and restoring heat to keeping a car on the road or ensuring a child can join a basketball program, the needs are diverse but equally urgent.

Every story carries a unique case number, allowing you to direct your donation to a specific individual or to the broader Client Support Fund at FCA via https://bit.ly/FCAgiving24 or the QR code provided.

To protect their privacy, names and details have been changed, and many of those mentioned are unaware their story has been shared. Any donations exceeding a client’s immediate needs will go toward the FCA Client Support Fund, ensuring your generosity continues to support others in need.

Your generosity will help ensure our neighbors stay warm, safe, and supported this holiday season, offering them the resources they need to move forward with hope and stability.

111: Carmen adopted three children from DCF, two of whom have significant needs. Carmen is in her 70s, and bringing all their clothing to the laundromat has been very hard. A gift of $400 would help Carmen purchase a washing machine to make her life substantially easier.

112: Jada is just 17 and pregnant. She's studying hard and working to finish high school and enroll in college. Jada's mom is supporting her as well as here two younger siblings, and money is tight. A gift of $500 would help the family get essentials for the baby like a crib, clothing, and bottles.

113: Patricia was a victim of domestic violence for a long time but recently escaped and moved into a new home with her daughter. They are struggling to get back on their feet, and they have been sleeping on sleeping bags. A gift of $450 would help Patricia get beds for her and her daughter as they start a new life.      

114: Rose is 69 and has Parkinson's Disease.  She can't work, and her social security isn't enough for her to afford her expenses. She’s been trying to pay her bills but just can't keep up. A gift of $500 would help her catch up on her utilities and mortgage.       

115: Zuri is a single mom and lost her job six months ago. She's struggling to pay her monthly bills and is at risk of losing her apartment. As she works to find a new job and get back to a stable place financially, a gift of $300 would help her buy winter essentials for herself and her children so they can stay warm as the weather gets cold.            

116: Julia is a teenager who has been removed from her biological parents and just moved in with a family member. Although she now has a safe place to live, she has very little and her family doesn't have a lot of extra money to buy her the clothing, shoes, and personal care items she needs. A gift of $350 would help her take care of these needs so she can work on healing from the trauma she's endured.     

117: Margot is 12 years old and lives in a two-bedroom apartment with her extended family, which includes 6 people. Both parents work hard to provide for the family but they still live paycheck to paycheck. A gift of $500 would help this family cover essential winter expenses like heating and clothing.       

118: Jacob is just 11 years old but already has an extensive trauma history from years of physical abuse with his birth family. Now adopted in a safe home with a loving adoptive mom, he's finally safe. Unfortunately, his adoptive mom's car was recently vandalized and she isn't able to get to work. A gift of $500 would help her repair her vehicle and get back to work and care for her son.

119: Grady is a teenager who has been bounced between foster homes. He has found consistency in his peer connections through basketball and his current foster parents are working to support this for him.  A gift of $400 would help them purchase athletic wear sneakers, equipment, and registration fees for his basketball program.           

120: Sam is 78 years old and was very independent until he was recently diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and is in the process of obtaining the help and care he needs at home. Sam has simple tastes and put cushions on a wooden chair to make his own recliner, but he really needs a power-lift chair and a few other pieces of furniture to make his home more practical. A gift of $500 would help him get these furniture items as his health rapidly declines so he can be as comfortable as possible.        

As the holiday season brings joy and togetherness, many in our community continue to struggle with significant challenges. Rising costs and economic uncertainties mean that countless individuals and families are facing a tough road to meet even their most basic needs. But through the Giving Fund, you can bring light and hope to our neighbors in need.

Now in its eighth consecutive year, the Hour is once again partnering with Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) to share stories of need and resilience. FCA supports thousands of children, families, adults, and seniors in our community and beyond, and each week, the Hour will highlight 10 stories of some who require immediate assistance. Their needs range from vital school supplies and medical necessities to essential home goods and groceries. Every story carries a unique case number, allowing you to direct your donation to a specific individual or to the broader Client Support Fund at FCA via https://bit.ly/FCAgiving24 or the QR code provided.

To protect their privacy, names and details have been changed, and many of those mentioned are unaware their story has been shared. Any donations exceeding a client’s immediate needs will go toward the FCA Client Support Fund, ensuring your generosity continues to support others in need.

In any amount, your contribution will bring hope and relief to individuals and families, offering a helping hand and a brighter holiday season for those who need it most.

101: Isabel adopted three children from DCF who all have very significant needs. At 15, 11, and 8 years old, the children have intellectual disabilities, and autism. The youngest has a feeding tube and is nonverbal. Due to the kids’ needs, Isabel has not been able to get away for a few days so she can recharge her battery. Respite care for a few days would allow her to take a short break and take care of her own health, but that involves hiring a nurse to care for the children. A gift of $500 would allow Isabel to take this much-needed break so she can continue to care for these special kids.      

102: Amir is 14 years old and lives with his dad and four siblings, all of whom were traumatized when Amir's mother died suddenly a few years ago. They are struggling to make ends meet. One of the tasks that is a burden on the family is laundry, as bringing all the children and their loads of laundry to a laundromat is time consuming and difficult. A gift of $400 would allow them to get a washing machine for their home and make this tedious chore easier.   

103: Victoria and her husband are raising two young children in Norwalk. Her husband works in landscaping and due to the seasonal changes, his hours have been reduced significantly. Though the family plans for the reduced hours each year, they are struggling to afford basic needs for their children. As winter approaches, a gift of $400 would allow Susan to purchase warm clothing and a toddler bed for her youngest.     

104: Aurora is a young woman who has faced domestic violence and homelessness. She finally found stable housing just last year. Since then, she's been working tirelessly to support herself and maintain her new home. Despite her determination, she knows that her current income won’t be enough to cover the costs of going back to school next year. She dreams of furthering her education, but school supplies and textbooks are a financial hurdle. A gift of $500 would allow her to purchase the materials she needs to bring her closer to completing her degree.

105: Walter is a senior who lives alone with only a few friends left and no family members still alive. Once, he was an avid photographer and has countless memories printed in his home, but they are disorganized and instead of bringing him peace and comfort they are a source of stress. Walter needs somewhere to store these images so they can be cherished and not lost. A gift of $200 would allow him to purchase a filing cabinet and some frames so he can organize the memories that show a lifetime of love.         

106: Marshall is unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. He has been searching for work every single day but only finds temporary, low-paying work. He is unable to put food on the table some days and has no mode of transportation. A gift of $400 would allow Marshall grocery money and a bus pass so he can get around town and search for work more easily.   

107: Jonas is so young at only 30 years old but had a tragic accident that led to both his legs being amputated. He is waiting for his disability to be approved and for prosthetic legs to be made. He has an incredible and loving dog he would like to get trained as a service dog, but the training is expensive. A gift of $500 would help him pay for this training so he and his furry friend can work together to adjust to their new reality.          

108: Monica and Reece adopted Ava, 6, in Alabama when she was just three days old. Ava was born addicted to many substances and struggled as a newborn. She continues to have challenges with her behavior at both home and school, but her therapists feel dance classes would help her have a positive outlet for her energy. Ava loves to dance and would excel in a class. A gift of $300 would allow Ava to dance for a few months.            

109: Silas works two jobs and supports his legally blind wife and their two daughters. Their youngest daughter, Tara, has learning disabilities and an issue with hoarding. Although the family is helping her with therapy and other services, they need to clean up their home so it's safe. A gift of $150 would help them buy cleaning supplies so they can have a fresh start. 

110: Eliana is 19 and is not supported by her abusive parents. Her mental health issues and learning disability led to her dropping out of college last year. She is attending community college and doing well but walks three miles each way to get to the library to do her schoolwork. A gift of $450 would allow her to buy a laptop so she can have more time and energy for her classes and move toward achieving her goals.      

This National Adoption Month, Michelle and Kris are sharing their story to inspire and guide others considering adoption—and to highlight the invaluable role Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) played in helping them grow their family. 

"We did a lot of research on different types of adoption and agencies," Michelle shared. "We wanted to find an agency that shared our values, one that catered to individuals, same-sex couples, and diverse families. FCA felt like kindred spirits. When we went in for our initial information session at FCA, within two minutes of sitting down, Kris wrote me a note that said, ‘You should work here’" Michelle laughed.

At FCA they met Audrey, who became their adoption home study coordinator and, more importantly, their guide and advocate. Audrey connected them with other families who had worked with various placement agencies, offering invaluable insight and advice. "The way she connected us with other people was so beautiful and extremely helpful," Michelle said. "Even now, she checks in on us, and it feels like she’s part of the family." 

In early 2022, Michelle and Kris were matched with their son’s birth mother. They spent a month building their relationship and met in person the night before their son was born. Michelle and Kris held their child for the first time when he was just five hours old. Their bond with his birth family continues to this day. "We’re so lucky to have them in our lives," Michelle said. "We visit every year for our son’s birthday to celebrate together. Our lives are forever intertwined, and it’s exactly the kind of family we wanted to create."

Their little one, now two and a half (he insists we recognize the half!), is the light of their lives. "It’s the best thing ever—and also the most exhausting," Kris joked. "It’s like having a tiny heart attack every second of every day. He’s always surprising us, and it’s the most amazing experience."

Michelle and Kris have some heartfelt advice for those considering adoption: 

Do your research: "You’ll be navigating a lot of policies at different agencies. Make sure you understand every word of your contracts."

Be your own advocate: "Advocating for yourself and being genuine in your profile is so important. What’s right for one family is not necessarily right for another. Be prepared to ask yourself and anyone else involved in the process hard questions."

Be honest: Michelle and Kris attend FCA’s annual birth parent panels, which they describe as invaluable. "Hearing birth parents’ perspectives is so important. If you’re not comfortable with something, don’t say you are."

Embrace life-long learning: "Best practices in adoption are continually shifting and the importance of listening to adult adoptees cannot be understated."

Lean on Your Community: Michelle and Kris are organizing a playgroup through FCA for adoptive families, ensuring their child grows up surrounded by peers who share similar experiences. "Knowing we have a community for life is a huge relief,” Kris said. “FCA is more than an agency – it’s a partnership."

This Adoption Month, FCA celebrates families like Michelle and Kris’s and reaffirms its commitment to supporting adoptive families every step of the way. If you’re considering adoption, know that FCA is here to guide you, advocate for you, and help you create a lifelong community of support. 

For more information on FCA’s adoption services, click here.