Men and women deal with unplanned pregnancies everyday – an experience that happens to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, in every small town, and every bustling city. Many of these men and women are scared, desperate, and alone. They yearn for support. Nebraska Children’s Home Society has caseworkers throughout Nebraska to provide education and other support for those dealing with unplanned pregnancies – helping them to sort through parenting and adoption options. Your generosity makes this possible. “...a story about Grace” is the story of a mother who met with us and decided to choose adoption for her beautiful baby, Grace. She will tell you that it was both the most difficult and best decision she ever made.

In the little town of Culbertson, Nebraska, Sarah grew up in a loving home with her parents and two brothers. After high school, she studied special education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During her sophomore year of college, Sarah found out she was pregnant.

“I was really afraid to tell my family,” said Sarah. “I thought they’d be terribly disappointed.” She remembers calling her parents. “I was worried about how everyone would react,” she said. “But actually, they all really supported me.”

After much thought, Sarah realized that she could not care for this child on her own. Her father recommended that she contact Nebraska Children’s Home Society for help.

Sarah met with Becky McElhose, a pregnancy caseworker with Nebraska Children’s Home Society, and they talked about her options of parenting and adoption. “I really liked that Nebraska Children’s Home gave me information about both parenting and adoption,” said Sarah. “I didn’t feel pressured either way. I took home two packets – one about making a parenting plan and one about making an adoption plan.”

It didn’t take Sarah long to decide that she wanted to place her child for adoption. “Once I decided on adoption, I felt such a relief,” explained Sarah. “I knew it was the right thing to do and I was excited to pick out a family.”

After meeting with Becky to look at profiles, Sarah chose Jodi and Gerard Colgan as adoptive parents. “I just knew,” said Sarah. “There wasn’t one thing that stood out – it was everything. Same values, same religion, Husker fans. I don’t know . . . I just knew.”

By July of 2005, Sarah was eight months into her pregnancy. And the Colgans? They had just returned from a family vacation when they received the news that they had been chosen.

A week later, Sarah and the Colgans met face-to-face. “I was so nervous,” said Sarah. “It was like a first date! I didn’t know what to expect or if if they’d even like me.” And, as with “all first dates”, Sarah received flowers. Jodi Colgan brought her stargazer lilies. “It was so funny, because stargazers are my favorite flowers! As it turns out, they’re Jodi’s favorites, too.” Except for “first meeting jitters”, the gathering went well. Afterward, the Colgans and Sarah began e-mailing one another every few days. They decided to meet with Sarah’s parents on August 2nd – six days before Sarah’s due date. Much to everyone’s surprise, that meeting ended up being at the hospital!

Sarah had a lot of support in the hospital waiting room when she gave birth to beautiful little Grace Elizabeth. Many family members and friends were there, though Sarah spent as much time with Grace as she could. It was hard knowing she would not be parenting her. “I was sobbing uncontrollably. It’s hard now to think about it,” Sarah recalls. Placing her daughter for adoption was a difficult decision. “Still, I knew it was the right thing to do. It was the best thing for her. I wanted Grace to have a better life than I could give her. But, I also wanted to know that she is okay.”

And, Sarah definitely does know!

Sarah and the Colgans decided on an open adoption, so Sarah is able to spend time with Grace. She has the peace of mind knowing that Grace is loved, cared for, and happy.

Sarah is doing fine – she is living in Omaha and teaches special education at a small school. The Colgan family remains an important part of her
life. She continues to be involved with Nebraska Children’s Home Society by participating in the birth parent support group and attending a Birth Mom Retreat with Jodi.

Please consider making a donation. Your generosity will help the men, women and children that Nebraska Children’s Home supports daily – people just like Sarah, and Jodi, Gerard, and Grace Colgan.

As Nebraska Children’s Home Society celebrates 115 years of providing safe, loving care to children of all ages, we remain the only agency in the nation that does not charge any fees for our adoption services. That’s because the child is always our main concern. Please help us continue our mission for another 115 years by making a gift today.

WE SINCERELY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT

Providing safe, loving homes for children in need and – thereby helping to assure their successful futures – is the purpose of Nebraska Children’s Home Society. And... That is just one of the reasons why we do not charge a fee for our adoption services. We exist simply to provide secure, permanent homes to children of all ages. However, we desperately need your financial support to continue our mission and facilitate our programs. For example...

Did you realize that we must raise $1.14 million every year
just to cover the cost of our adoption program?
YOU CAN HELP.
Your gift of $25, $75, $150, $500 or more allows us to continue our vital mission of bringing hope and happiness to all children in need – now and following along the paths of their lifetimes.
Thank you for your support.