Over 11,000 American babies are born every day. Some are part of the family plan and others are pleasant surprises. But for most newborns, both their conception was unplanned and so is their future. Nationally, only about two percent of unplanned pregnancies result in an adoption plan for the infant. The Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) helped one local woman, Ellen, beat the odds and assure that her child was paired with the best possible family.

Ellen was 30 years old, single and alone dealing with a first pregnancy. She wasn’t able to tell anyone or seek pre-natal care until she reached out to the LFCS. Ellen was quickly assigned to an LFCS caseworker who would see her through her pregnancy and get her baby adopted. Ellen’s caseworker not only facilitated the adoption process by coordinating the hospital staff, birth father and adoptive parents, but was also an emotional support for Ellen during this heartbreaking process. She even helped Ellen choose the adoptive parents for her baby.

Ellen would eventually give birth to a beautiful baby girl. Ellen’s baby already had a special new family waiting for her and a warm place to call home. Ellen remains confident that she made the right decision and credits the LFCS for making it all possible and for supporting her  to this day. The Lutheran Family and Children’s Services is able to provide pregnancy counseling and assistance to over 100 young clients each year thanks to community contributions to the United Way.