Adoption is a journey of faith, love, and trust in God’s plan. Matt and Lauren’s story is a beautiful testament to this truth. Through the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson (ARJC) Adoption Grant, they received critical support that made it possible to grow their family through three blessed adoptions.
A Journey Filled with Challenges and Blessings
Matt and Lauren, St. Louis natives, met in college at Rockhurst University. With a deep love for each other and a shared dream of becoming parents, they began their journey together with hope.
After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses and infertility, Matt and Lauren discerned God’s call to adopt. “We knew that we were called to be parents and explored adoption as a means to grow our family,” Lauren shared.
The couple’s adoption journey has brought them three beautiful children—Claire, Ben, and Hannah. While each adoption presented its challenges, God’s presence was evident at every turn.
When they decided to adopt Hannah, their third child, they knew the process might take longer because they already had two children. After 18 months of waiting, while celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, the couple was asked if they would be willing to have their adoption profile shown to an expectant mother. After meeting with the mom a month later, they learned she chose them to be the adoptive family for her child. Lauren was able to join her for an ultrasound and gender reveal.
The day before Thanksgiving Lauren and Matt received an unexpected call. Lauren was told that Hannah’s birth mother was in labor and wanted them present for the birth.
Lauren recalls the moment with awe:
“We managed to arrive within her first hour of life and began bonding and spending time with her birth family in the hospital. With the next day being Thanksgiving, we spent the holiday there with Hannah and her birth family…Hannah came home late Friday night and got to meet Claire, Ben, and all of her grandparents! God has continued to show His beautiful plan for our family by the way we have grown and we are always reminded by our story to lean in and trust, especially during the difficult times.”
The Gift of the ARJC Adoption Grant
The financial challenges of adoption are significant, but the ARJC Adoption Grant helped Matt and Lauren navigate these hurdles. They’ve received the grant with all three adoptions and it has been a vital source of support. The couple encourages other couples adopting to take the time to apply for the grant, as most of the necessary paperwork is already included in the home study.
“Adoption can be expensive and financially intimidating for couples due to the fact that there is so much work done in the background by many people that goes into a successful adoption,” Matt explained. “The grant is extremely beneficial in helping families recoup these upfront costs of adoptions.”
Speaking to those who have already donated to the grant, Matt and Lauren say:
“Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!! Knowing that there are opportunities like this out there really makes it easier financially to pursue adoption because we would never want finances to be the reason why someone would hold back on pursuing the calling of being an adoptive family.”
With as complex and emotionally draining as the adoption processes can be at times, knowing the grant is available to offer financial support is a huge support. “The grant money helped us feel more financially secure to initiate our subsequent home studies and continue to grow our family and it can do the same for others in the future!” the couple reflects.
Adoption and Natural Family Planning: Strengthening Faith and Family
Beyond adoption, Matt and Lauren have also experienced the transformative impact of Natural Family Planning. With NFP, they uncovered underlying medical diagnoses that have been treated and improved overall health outcomes
“By utilizing NFP,” Matt shared, “We have had the opportunity for increased communication in our marriage.”
Join Us in Supporting Families
Matt and Lauren’s story is just one of many made possible by the ARJC Adoption Grant. This program is fueled by the generosity of donors who believe in the beauty of adoption and want to make it more accessible for families.
Your financial contribution directly supports adoptive families like Matt, Lauren, Claire, Ben, and Hannah. Please consider donating and spread the word about this incredible grant and its impact.
To apply for the grant or make a donation, click here.
With your support, more families can experience the joy of adoption and witness the beauty of God’s plan for their lives.
Matt and Lauren are St. Louis natives and parishioners at Most Sacred Heart in Eureka. They have been blessed with three children through domestic, infant adoption. Their family enjoys spending time outdoors, swimming, and skiing. They keep busy with youth sports, outdoor adventures, and keeping up with their puppy, Sophie.