When Ryan and Michael welcomed their daughter Avery into their lives through adoption with Family & Children’s Agency (FCA), they became part of something bigger than their own growing family, they joined a community.
“We adopted way back in 2018,” said Ryan. “Very early in our relationship we knew we wanted to have children and felt that adoption was the right pathway for us.”
Fast forward seven years, and Avery is now a vibrant, energetic 7-year-old who loves playing squash, singing, and summer camp.
Ryan and Michael’s journey to adoption began with FCA’s support and guidance, and the couple still feels deeply connected to the Agency today.
“We worked with FCA in 2018. The social work, the visits, all of it was really amazing,” Michael said.
That relationship with FCA didn’t end once Avery came home.
“We’ve kept in touch. We’ve had a few questions. And we just can’t speak enough about their support, whether it’s giving advice, helping us partner with the school, or connecting us with other families,” Michael said.
That sense of connection and not feeling alone was crucial. “FCA actually connected us with another family in the process, and we’ve met other same-sex couples through the Agency too,” he said.
“It’s helpful to create a network, especially as a same-sex couple, because there are real questions that come up,” Michael explained. “It’s meaningful to be able to immerse Avery in a world where she’s not unique.”
And that’s been an important message, not just for Avery, but for Ryan and Michael, too. They aren’t a rare exception, they’re one of many loving families built through adoption.
For them, the real comfort comes from knowing that their story isn’t groundbreaking. it’s familiar. And while the couple’s adoption story has special moments, their day-to-day life is wonderfully ordinary: Sunday dinners, mornings with Mimi and Papa, the occasional chaos of three generations under one roof since Michael’s parents moved in to be closer to their granddaughter.
The couple’s advice to those considering adoption? “Patience.” Although challenging, Michael emphasized, “It really makes you stronger as a couple or as a single parent. It makes you think about what you want in your life and what you’re looking for.”
In many ways, Ryan and Michael’s family are unique. But in all the ways that matter: love, support, bedtime routines, and weekend pancakes. They’re just like every other family.
And that’s the point.
At FCA, we believe adoptive families aren’t unique. They are families full of love, challenges, growth, and joy. This Pride Month and every month, we’re proud to stand beside families of all kinds including those who are apart of LGBTQIA+ community. What matters is the love and compassion parents have when opening their heart and home to a child.
For more information on FCA’s adoption agency, click here
