We have BIG news!

We are adopting a child!

We have always believed that family takes a village. Whether that is siblings always ready to lend advice, parents who drop everything to visit, grandparents full of stories, or friends that feel like family, we are fortunate to know we have a community of support.

When we learned having a child on our own would not be possible for us, we took time not only to understand this unique type of loss but to also define what we believe it means to be a family. As a result of this time, we are excited to share that we have begun the process of adoption!

We are learning every day of the tremendous need in our community for parents and adult mentors to children who might not otherwise have access to that support. Adoption is an expensive process, so we are asking you if you can support us in any way.  It may surprise you to hear that adoption related costs can easily total up to $35,000 or more. This is why we have set a goal of $40,000 to help ease the financial burden that often overwhelms adoptive parents. Funding will be used to help cover legal fees, medical expenses of the birth mother, administrative fees to the partner agency, and any travel that might be required to the birth mother's state of residence.

We both work for youth-serving nonprofits and experience firsthand the endless potential a child has when he or she has their community behind them. We recognize that successfully raising a child will not only demand our intention, but also that of our loved ones who will become just as important figures in this child's life.

We thank you for the support you have already shown to both of us as individuals and as a couple, and we cannot wait to share in the journey as we celebrate the newest member of the Hamm family!

With gratitude,

Joe & Paige