Dear Friends,
Thanks to you, we’ve achieved incredible milestones in empowering birthparents on their paths toward healing, growth, and connection. Together, we’ve provided transformative support through our Case Management and Retreat programs, helping birthparents achieve goals they once only dreamed of, and 2024's impact statement reflects just that.
Our Birthparents’ Stories of Growth and Achievement
Birthparents in our community have made remarkable strides. Here are some of the ways they are creating change in their lives:
● Reconnected with her daughter after years of no contact; they now text regularly, strengthening their relationship
● Developed job application skills, including resume writing and cover letter drafting, and started applying for jobs
● Secured stable housing, gained full-time employment, advocated for birth mothers, reconnected with family, and began drafting a book on her experience
● Attended a retreat, connected with an adoption-competent therapist, and began therapy
● Attended her first ConnectCall, connected with other birth mothers, and began seeing an adoption-competent therapist
● A transgender birthgiver expressed gratitude for the inclusivity and acceptance he found with On Your Feet
● Established better communication with her son and adoptive parents, planned engaging FaceTime activities, and attended her first in-person visit with her son in three years
While these milestones inspire us, there is still much work to be done.
The Hidden Struggle: Untreated PMAD in Birthparents
As many as 1-in-3 birthparents live with undiagnosed and untreated Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD)—a complication affecting more than 20% of women who give birth in the U.S. each year. Pediatricians conduct PMAD screenings during well-baby visits, but birthparents—who are at a higher risk due to the trauma of a crisis pregnancy and adoption placement—rarely receive this assessment or care. This leaves birthparents with an impossible task: to show up in healthy ways for their child while battling untreated PMAD. We see this every day, and it underscores the urgent need for accessible, competent mental health care for birthparents.
A New Vision for Support in 2025
We’re excited to launch a groundbreaking program that will allow birthparents to be assessed and treated for PMADs through a HIPAA-compliant smartphone app. PMAD is treatable when diagnosed, and this app will enable birthparents to connect with a PMAD-competent therapist within an average of four days. By removing barriers to care, we hope to end the silent suffering of birthparents and provide accessible, compassionate support at no cost to them.
How You Can Help
This pioneering project, along with our ongoing programs, is only possible through the generous support of donors like you. By reaching our $50,000 fundraising goal, we can continue empowering birthparents to achieve their goals, foster community, and provide critical PMAD diagnosis and treatment—making a lasting impact in their lives, and the lives of every member of their adoption constellation. We invite you to join us as we build the first program aimed at identifying and healing PMAD in birthparents and improving outcomes for everyone in the adoption constellation.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community. Together, we’re making a difference, one step at a time.
With our deepest gratitude and warm wishes for a holiday season full of peace and joy,
Alexis Eyler
Executive Director
Deanna Schuette
Board Co-Chair
Monica Tsikretsis
Board Co-Chair
