Thriving Together: Adopting Older Children

Adopting older children comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right approach and support, it can be a rewarding experience for both the child and the parent. Understanding the unique difficulties these children may face and providing them with the necessary tools and guidance can make a significant difference in their lives.  [...]

Navigating the Hardships of Adoption: Stories from Adoptees

Adoption is a journey filled with joy, however, with joy comes loss. It's important to recognize that adoption also comes with inherent grief and hardships. No two adoption stories are the same, and each adoptee's experience is unique. At its core, adoption begins with the loss of one's biological family, heritage, and culture, and each [...]

Voices of Adoption: Donna Steacker

Follow along with Donna Steacker’s domestic adoption story of her two children, Hannah and LJ.  Adoption is a beautiful and unique way to build a family, but it often comes with its own set of challenges and heartwarming moments. Our adoption story is a testament to the power of love and the strength of family [...]

Growing Up in a Closed Adoption: Hannah Steacker

Adoption is a complex and deeply personal experience, with each story being unique in its own way.  Only 5% of United States adoptions are closed, meaning the adoptee has zero contact with the biological family. I’m Hannah Steacker, and I want to share my experience as an adoptee from a closed adoption, growing up alongside [...]

Our Daughter Was Custom-Made For Us | Helen and Marcus’s Story

Adoptive Parents Helen and Marcus were placed with their baby girl, CC, through Adoptions From The Heart in the Spring of 2021. Like many Adoptive Parents, their hope, after attempts of conceiving a biological child, was to be chosen by a birth parent to love and care for a baby they would call their own. [...]

The Doyle Family Story

Michael and Marty officially began their adoption journey in the summer of 2013. Marty began by discussing the idea of adoption with Michael, letting him know that he was ready to adopt. The pair attended their first informational session at Adoptions From The Heart’s (AFTH) main office in Wynnewood, PA. They would begin the paperwork [...]

Office Hosts Adoption Triad Reunion at Fun Forest Park in Chesapeake, VA!

AFTH adoption triads finally reunite in Virginia after an unprecedented year. Adoptee, Jonathan, embraces his birth mother Samantha The pandemic stopped many of our beloved traditions as families, friends, and even an adoption agency. To protect one another from sickness, we postponed or canceled gatherings, including our summer picnics. Adoptions From The Heart's [...]

The Importance of Spending Time Together as a Family Unit

How much time do you spend with your family in a week? Month? Year? Spending time together as a family is crucial and beneficial to every person involved.   Benefits of Spending Time Together Spending time with each other strengthens a family’s bond as a unit. Engaging together allows family members to take a more [...]

Adoption: “Best Thing I Ever Did”

Chance Encounter Between Strangers Creates an Adoption Connection One day, outside Orangetheory Fitness, a woman is walking on a sidewalk, going about her day. She sees a man coming in the opposite direction. He isn’t doing anything out of the ordinary, but his mask catches her attention. Masks are very common these days, in the [...]