Adoptions and Save-the-Date for J&J

For more information about sponsorships, being a particiapting restaurant and to buy tickets or donate, visit the 2025 Jambalaya and Jazz page here.

Dear Friends,

I am grateful for the opportunity to support children and families through Adoption Option Inc.’s adoption programs. Every day, I witness the joy, resilience, and love that adoption brings—both for children finding permanent homes and for parents who open their hearts to them. Together, we help create safe, loving families where children can truly thrive.

This year, Adoption Option Inc. marked 21 years of service and has completed over 500 adoptions. Each adoption is more than a legal milestone—it’s the start of a lifelong family bond and a story of hope and connection.

As we celebrate National Adoption Month this November, our focus remains on supporting adoptive parents, strengthening families, and ensuring that every child knows they are valued and loved. Whether you are an adoptive parent, a volunteer, or a supporter, your role makes a lasting difference.

Don’t miss this month’s I Make A Difference Moment (IMADM), where an adoption worker shares a powerful story of a family’s adoption journey. And join us at Jambalaya and Jazz next month to hear firsthand from a parent whose adoption journey with our agency has transformed their family.

Thank you for helping us make adoption a reality for so many children. Your support changes lives every day.

With gratitude,

Jenean

Adoptions at AOICWO

Adoption is a process that creates a new family for a child or adult. The process for completing the adoption varies based on the type of adoption.

Most types of adoptions require a completed home study (also called a “Family Assessment” or “Family Evaluation”) before the adoption legal process can begin. If the Department of Human Services is not involved and the court classifies your adoption as a relative, guardian, adult or step-parent adoption, the adoption process can begin without the home study, but one is needed before the adoption is completed.

Adoption Myths Busted

Myth: Adopting a child from foster care is extremely expensive and out of reach for “ordinary” families.

Fact: In many cases, adopting a child from Michigan’s public foster care system has minimal cost or is subsidized.

Myth: Only “perfect” families (large houses, high income, flawless past) are approved to adopt.

Fact: The licensing and home study process considers stability, resources, capacity, and safety—imperfection or prior adversity is not always disqualifying. You are an excellent candidate to become an adoptive parent if you have the ability to give a child unconditional love, patience, nurturing and commitment.

You can adopt if you:

Are single, married or divorced
Are already a parent or have never been one
Own your own home or rent
Are an adult

From Uncertainty to Belonging: Jon Finds His Forever Family

When I first met Jon, he was leaving a facility for troubled youth and stepping into a family-like setting with Pat. I could see how much he needed stability, care, and someone to believe in him. From the very beginning, I wanted to make sure he felt safe and supported, not just by rules or plans, but by people who truly cared about him.

One of my favorite memories is taking Jon out for a simple meal and then to his counseling appointment. We talked about school, his senior year, and the things he was looking forward to. I could see him starting to relax, starting to trust that someone was in his corner. Over time, I watched him laugh more, open up a little, and start to see that this placement could really be home.

Now, the adoption petition has been filed, and the excitement in the home is tangible. Jon is thrilled at the thought of becoming part of Pat’s family forever, and seeing his hope and joy fills me with pride. Being part of this journey, helping him find a safe, loving place to grow, has reminded me why this work matters — it’s not just about placement or paperwork, it’s about helping a child finally feel like they belong.

| Adoption Option, Inc. | www.adoptionoptioninc.or g |

Office: 989.839.0534