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Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy?
Considering adoption?
If you’re considering adoption, you’re in the right place. We help many expectant parents like you every year.
Explore waiting families
Ryan and Kasey
Dear Birth Mother, Thank you for taking a few moments to get to know our family, and thank you for giving your child the opportunity to live her/his best life. We are Ryan and Kasey. We live in northern Michigan with our two children, Khloe Kay 8 and Tatum (Tate) Alan 4. We have been together for 12 years, 9 years of marriage. We were high school sweethearts. Our marriage has been far from easy, we have been through everything from family deaths to miscarriages. But we have made it through all of the tough times because we know we can lean on each other and we also have God. We are both professing members of our church, and that gives us all the strength we need. We both have always wanted a large family. Our two children are both miracles, as Kasey was told she would never be about to birth her own child. Khloe is our smart tender-hearted, sweet little girl. She is very competitive, she plays soccer, softball, soon basketball and also races snowmobiles. Tate is our spunky, caring and very active little boy. He loves spending his time outside riding four wheelers and snowmobiles, and playing anything with a ball. As a family we do everything together. We really enjoy being outside. A good portion of the year you can find us on our side by side. In the summer we love camping, kayaking, fishing and playing outside. In the fall we hunt, and in the winter we all snowmobile. I, Ryan, am a road construction foreman. I Work all over the state in the summer building and repairing roads for my families company. It is the only job I’ve ever had and ever want to have. I attended Western Michigan University and Ferris State University. In my spare time I enjoy hunting and fishing and fixing things in my pole barn. Kasey works for the school our kids go to as a Paraprofessional. She works part time so she can be home with Tate part time. She also has a passion for coaching. She coaches Volleyball and Softball at the high school level. She is very involve in our church as a youth leader among many other things. We love the area and community we live in, everyone is close, including our families. Both of our extended families all live within a 15 mile radius. That allows for our children to have lots of friends/cousins to grow up with. Living in such a small community means everyone knows everybody and someone is always there to help and pick you up. Thanks again for taking the time to get to know us a little. We hope that no matter who you choose, you feel supported, encouraged and loved. We know that your one desire is that you find parents that you imagined for your baby. With us, I can promise you that your baby will be loved by not only us, but by our family and friends, he or she will be supported in everything they do and he or she will be pushed to follow their dreams. With Love , Ryan and Kasey
Read MoreDale and Julie
We can't wait to hear the pitter patter of little feet in our home again!!! We feel that it is important for you to know why we are adopting. After trying for several years to start a family, we found out that we would not be able to have biological children. We knew exactly what we would do and we were excited about it! We would adopt!!! We love being parents and we can’t wait to cuddle another baby again!! We feel so blessed to have been able to adopt our two amazing children as infants - Jaxon (10) and Britta (7). We admire the strength that our children's birth mothers had when they lovingly and selflessly placed their children in our arms. We know it was the hardest decision they have ever made and we are forever grateful to them. We communicate with Jaxon and Britta's birth families in many different ways (phone calls, texts, blogs, letters, and visits) based on what works best for them. We are very open about adoption with our children and remind them often how loved they are by their birth families. Julie created "My Adoption Story" photo books with the story of their births and pictures of their birth family that they regularly read together. We've included a bunch of pictures so that you can get to know us better. Please feel free to ask us anything!
Read MoreDaniel and Alisha
Dear Expecting Parent(s), We have so much respect for the brave and loving choice you are making by considering adoption for your child. We would be honored to be considered as a family for your child. It is our hope with this letter to show what life with our family would be like for your baby. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to introduce our family to you. About Us Alisha was invited to Dan’s church (by a family member) one beautiful Sunday morning in November 2010. Alisha was seated in a pew near Dan, where we struck up a conversation very easily after the service. The next week, we went on a spontaneous lunch date and never looked back. We found out we had a lot in common and knew from that day forward that we were meant for each other. As our relationship progressed, we became soul mates and best friends. God blessed us with marriage two years later in the church where we met. One of the great things about us as a couple is that we have a lot in common and share the same values. But we also respect our differences and interests. Dan’s interests are bicycling, landscaping, woodworking, model trains and coin collecting. Alisha’s interests are crafts, cooking, gardening, boating and fishing. We both enjoy church activities, picnics, farm festivals, daytrips, vacations, community activities, and sporting events (Steelers, Penguins, Pirates). We also enjoy traveling together, as well as going out to share special times with friends and family. Dan graduated from college with a degree in Accounting and works as an Accountant at a manufacturing company. Alisha graduated from college with a degree in nursing and works at a hospital as an Intensive Care Nurse. After being married for about a year, we decided we wanted to start a family. Unfortunately, after trying on our own for quite some time and multiple fertility treatments, having children on our own was not successful. After much thought and consideration, we were called to the adoption process and found our way to Bethany Christian Services. Our Home and Neighborhood We live in a family friendly neighborhood close to parks, fitness activities, schools, church, and stores. We have family and friends living nearby who are excited to welcome a new member into our lives. Our church community is like a family. We have strong ties in our church community, which is about a ten minute drive from our home. We live in a single family home with a deck overlooking a nice sized back yard where there is plenty of space for a child to play. Our nursery is completely setup with a crib, changing table, and dresser, with a beautiful view of the back yard. We have a spacious kitchen, where we really enjoy cooking as a family. Our Values Our family values include setting a good example for children through our daily actions, including God in our daily lives through prayer, and attending church on Sundays. We intend on providing a child with a good education, team sports and activities, a safe neighborhood, holiday family get-togethers, fun child friendly events (zoo and science center), vacations and, when the child is older, continuing education towards a career path. Our Promise Thank you again for taking the time to learn about our family and for considering us as a family for your baby. We plan to be very open with your child about how he or she came to be part of our family and that this was made possible because of your courageous and selfless decision. Know that we are for open adoption and for you being updated on the child’s milestones and that your child will grow up with lots of love and support from us as parents and our extended family. Should your heart steer you in our direction for an adoptive family, may you find comfort in knowing that your baby will live with laughter and love. With heartfelt blessings, Dan and Alisha
Read MoreIsrael and Susie
Read MoreTyler and Lauren
It is not easy to compress all of the experiences in our lives and the love we have to give in one short summary, but here is a bit of relevant information about ourselves: we both work in a high school, Tyler as an English teacher and coach and Lauren as a school counselor and leader of cultural exchange trips overseas (previously a world language teacher). We both come from mid-sized, worldly, active, and loving families who are very much personal, positive parts of our daily lives. We have two intelligent, kind, beautiful, energetic, and humorous daughters, and they bring light and life to our lives each and every day: Quinn, our thirteen-year-old, is with us for shared parenting time (our daughter from Tyler’s previous marriage); and Brielle, our five year-old, was welcomed into our family through adoption. As for Lauren’s life journey leading to this letter, she has known since her teenage years that she is medically unable to bear children. Because of that, we have always known that adoption was in our future, and we have embraced that reality. Our goal has been to create a family that has the similarly beautiful energy, love, and sibling relationships that both of us experienced while growing up. We are very fortunate to have a positive relationship with Brielle’s birth family as well, and that only adds to the love that encompasses our family and our children. Overall, we consider ourselves kind, down-to-earth, active, generous, religious, open-minded, and humorous (we think?) individuals. We love to travel, love to learn, and love to experience and immerse ourselves in other cultures. Above all, we love to watch our daughters grow, and we love to nurture and help others. We certainly are incredibly excited to do the same with another beloved child in our lives.
Read MoreSteve and Mandie
Hello, As we sit here writing this, it is difficult to find the words to meet this moment. Words that sincerely convey how much we care about you as a person, because you are special, and your story is significant. Words that adequately express our gratitude to you for reading this profile and considering us as potential partners on the journey ahead. Words that are somehow enough, because this moment is extraordinary. In looking back at the path that led us here, we marvel at how God orchestrated our steps to bring us to this point, to these pages in your hands. And now you are here, reading about us, wondering who we are and if we will be a good fit to love and care for your baby, in the way we know you already do. We hope this profile gives you a sense of who we are and shows our love and commitment to each other, our family, and our faith, and also speaks to the love we have to give. We know this introduction is only the beginning, and it would be our joy to continue on this journey with you. No matter your decision, though, we are praying for you and want you to know, above all, that you are loved. Sincerely, Mandie & Steve
Read MoreJake and Rachel
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read more about us! We hope this book conveys our excitement to adopt, our love of being parents, as well as the respect and admiration we have for you. Growing our family through adoption has always been our plan, and you have been on our hearts for a very long time. We would love to welcome you and your child into our lives, and we pray that God uses adoption to unite our families. We want to honor you and your wishes regarding this process, and we look forward to the possibility of meeting you! We will pray for you and your baby, and that God gives you His peace, hope, and guidance in the decisions you are facing. Love, Jake and Rachel
Read MoreKevin and Lorraine
Hello! We feel so honored that you are taking the time to look at our profile and hope it will give you a realistic look into our lives. Having children has always been a dream of ours and we are eager to be parents. Infertility has been an unexpected chapter of our lives but we believe God has led us to adoption for a reason. We have so much love to give and can't wait to share that with children of our own. We want you to know that if we are fortunate enough to be chosen as adoptive parents, your child will have a life filled with unconditional love, laughter, and support, not only from us, but also our wonderful friends and family. With Love, Kevin and Lorraine
Read MoreDonovanne
Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about me, my family and friends. My name is Donovanne, and I am so blessed and excited about the possibility of loving and nurturing your child. I hope this book gives you a glimpse into my loving family and the wonderful life I've been blessed with, and that it helps you in making a decision. Even without having met you, please know that I've been praying for you and this child since the very beginning of this process. I grew up in a small Southern town, the youngest of three daughters between my mother and father. We lived in a close-knit neighborhood, right across the street from my aunt and cousins, and only a few minutes away from my grandparents. When you hear the saying "it takes a village to raise a child" it's very true. Back then, neighborhoods were more like families. Of course, there were ups and downs... no family is perfect. But the one thing that remained constant throughout my life was LOVE. In my family, we had many matriarchs... those grandmothers, aunts and cousins who would help raise a child in the bat of an eye. These older, wise women knew the importance of banding together to help each other in times of need - and with no judgment. They had lived through the tough years of post-slavery and civil rights, and they worked and fought hard for a better life for their children and the children of others. To them, you didn't have to be blood to be considered family, and I feel their spirit lives in me.
Read MoreJordan and Amber
Dear Expectant Parent(s), We know God has a very special child planned for us. We trust he knows exactly what child is right for our family and the right timing. We also believe he knows the parents who will make the perfect match for your child. We are praying those parents might be us, and pray you will have peace knowing you found the right parents for your child; whether that is us or not. If we are the right family for your child, I can’t wait to meet you. We already think so highly of you. You are doing the most selfless thing any parent could do. It takes someone incredibly strong, courageous, and loving to make the tough decision you are making.
Read MoreLoren and Lorena
Read MoreNate and Carolyn
Hello, We are Nate and Carolyn, and we are eager to add another member to our family. God has blessed us in countless ways, and we want to share these blessings with your child and you.
Read MoreFAQs about adoption
Can I choose the family for my child?
Yes! You can review our online profiles of families who would like to adopt a child and learn all about their personalities and interests. If you decide to place your child for adoption, you’ll be able to meet with the adoptive families you like best.
Are there different kinds of adoption?
You will provide input into the type of relationship you desire between yourself, your child, and the adoptive parents. You can guide the level of communication and contact you have with your child and their adoptive family.
How can I find out my rights as a parent?
You always have the right to explore your options in a safe environment. And you have the right to have all your questions answered honestly and completely. You have these rights, no matter where you are in your pregnancy.
If I’m using drugs, can Bethany still help me?
Yes. Our counselors will help you consider the best options for you and your baby.
My child is already born. Can I still make an adoption plan
In many cases, you can still place your child for adoption after he or she is born.
Finding peace through open adoption
“Bethany made my adoption journey the best choice for me and those I care for. Three different families have become one because of the love and respect that we share—and I’ve found my place as a birth mom in each one of them.”
- Tamara
"When I was pregnant and pursuing an adoption plan, people told me I needed to ask forgiveness for “abandoning my child.” They wanted me to feel ashamed, but Bethany helped take the sting out of their words by reassuring me I had no reason to feel shame. Now my vision is to keep telling this story so other birth moms know they’re not alone.”
- Gloria
“Ten years ago, I was pregnant for the first time, and I was in jail. Making an adoption plan for my son didn’t mean I loved him any less; I just didn’t want my child to end up in the system. My life circumstances wouldn’t mean a life sentence for him.”
- Tamara
"When I found out I was pregnant with twins at age 18, I didn’t know where to turn. I thought, ‘How am I going to become the mom I want to be?’ Bethany helped provide care for my boys while I found a stable job. Today, my boys are thriving in my home.”
- Brijon
“Today, I am substance-free. I’m married with two biological children and two stepchildren. And I still have thoughts and emotions to process about that difficult time in my life, including my decision to make an adoption plan. That’s an experience most people just don’t understand."
- Gloria
Have questions?
Do you want to make an adoption plan or learn about your other options? Fill out a contact form or speak to a Bethany counselor at 1.800.BETHANY