 |
It’s been 10 years since Becky Fawcett and her husband, Kipp, officially launched HelpUsAdopt.org. The mission of the national nonprofit organization is to provide grants to qualified couples and individuals—regardless of race, religion, marital status or sexual orientation—to assist with their adoption expenses. Over the past decade, HelpUsAdopt.org has awarded 218 adoption grants, totaling $1.9 million.
After a long struggle with infertility, the Fawcetts turned to adoption to build their family and were staggered by the costs. “An average adoption costs $40,000 in full and up front,” says Fawcett. “No loans, no discounts, no payment plans. An average of $40,000 in after-tax dollars to adopt a child, while the average household income in our country is $54,000.”
Fawcett knew she had to do something to help. “The bottom line is, if people can’t afford to adopt, what happens to all these children?” says Fawcett, who grew up in Villanova and now lives and runs the nonprofit in New York City. “What we’re offering through these adoption grants is absolutely a better alternative for a child to have a home with one or two parents and to have love and support.”
