Hopeful Parents Programs and Services
Baby Showers for New Families
Four times a year, Hopeful Parents hosts a baby shower for recently placed couples. We celebrate by bringing one small gift for a girl and a boy each and enjoy eats and sweets provided by Hopeful Parents. Waiting couples really look forward to the day when they will be showered.
Pass It On
We have a large amount of maternity clothes to pass on to needy birth mothers. Area social workers email us when there is a need, and a Hopeful Parents representative then shops in the “closet” and ships the clothes to the social worker who then delivers to the birthmother. We are also starting to collect baby clothes to share with our membership who enjoy gently used clothing. A clothing table will be at every meeting this year. It is evident, however, that we have more clothes than we can use in both cases and would like to consign or auction online surplus to make this program self-sufficient.
Parent Partnership
Waiting and placed parents are paired geographically to provide support for the waiting parents. The placed parents are available to give advice, answer questions, and help with frustrations and – best of all – share the joy when placement occurs. We are also hoping the placed family will provide a meal (made or purchased) the week of baby pickup.
Birth Mother Gift Bags
Twice a year, members gather to encourage fellowship among waiting mothers and to recognize and appreciate the birth mother in the adoption process. We purchase, decorate and fill gift bags with wrapped toiletries and personal items that are then delivered by social workers in the hospital after the birth of a child being placed for adoption. Many of the items are budgeted, but we are always accepting donation of items like shampoo, lotion, socks and token gifts.
Birth Mother Education Bags
Provides educational material to go in bags distributed by agencies to pregnant women who are making an adoption plan. Materials help educate birth mothers on how to have a healthy pregnancy.
Meet and Greet Hopeful Parents
Representatives attend orientation or education sessions at local agencies to introduce our support group to people entering the adoption process. The sessions are usually followed by a short social gathering, where questions can be answered in a more casual atmosphere.
Infant/Child CPR Education Class
Provides a joyful place to learn and prepare for our adoptive families. Held once a year in hope that members will “sync-up” their certification to the month it is being held. We provide books and equipment to reduce the cost typically associated with certification.
Birth Mother Assistance Fund
The Birth Mother Assistance Fund was established as a grant fund, with policies and procedures, to assist needy birth mothers with expenses not related to pregnancy or birth (i.e., a small physical defect or funeral expenses after the loss of a pregnancy). The assistance is limited and requires proof that the balance of the costs are waived by a charitable doctor or covered by other sources.
