In the Archdiocese of St. Louis, we are deeply inspired by the stories of families who choose the beautiful and life-changing path of adoption. One such family, Steve and Deanna, has been forever blessed through adoption, and we’re honored to share their journey. With the help of the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant, Steve and Deanna’s dream of becoming parents was made possible, and their story is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and love.

A Heartfelt Calling to Adopt

Their love story began with a blind date arranged by a mutual friend, and their relationship blossomed through their shared values, including their deep commitment to the pro-life cause.

Deanna, a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom, knew from a young age that she wanted to adopt.

“I was 12 years old when I saw a family in my church adopt two girls,” she reflects. “It was such a beautiful expression of love.”

Steve, too, felt drawn to adoption, especially as he grew more passionate about the pro-life movement.

“Our hearts have always been open to adoption,” he shares. “We both strive to live out our pro-life values, and adoption felt like an important way to do that.”

Their Adoption Journey

Steve and Deanna’s adoption journey was not without its challenges. They began the process in August 2020, in the midst of their struggles with infertility. With adoption always in mind, they knew they wanted to start the process sooner rather than later. But the path wasn’t easy, taking three years before matching with their daughter’s birth mother. Along the way, they had several potential matches.

In April 2023, they matched with a birth mother shortly before her emergency c-section. They met the baby girl a few hours later and had the honor of spending the afternoon and evening loving on her, and teaching her about how much she is loved, especially by God. The following day led to heartbreak as the match fell through due to unforeseen circumstances. 

But just a few months later, God opened a door they hadn’t expected. “It was a Monday morning when we received the call about a match with a birth mother,” says Steve. “We were overjoyed! Five days later, we were driving to South Carolina, not knowing if we were having a boy or girl.”

A few hours into the drive they received an email that their daughter was born. After a 15-hour drive, they arrived in Charleston and met their baby girl.

“In retrospect, we can see that God had our daughter specifically chosen for us. Her smile, joy, and laughter lights up the room and fills our hearts with overflowing love.” – Deanna

Their daughter, a busy toddler, is a ball of energy, and she brings so much joy to their lives. “Her giggles are contagious,” Deanna says. “She loves music, swimming, and playing with animals. She’s our little Energizer bunny — always on the go!”

The Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant

As Steve and Deanna navigated the financial aspects of their adoption journey, they learned about the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant. “We found out about the grant through following the Office of NFP on social media,” Deanna explains. “Once we were home study approved, we applied for the grant, and the process was very straightforward. Compared to the intensity of the home study process, the grant application was a breeze.”

The grant helped cover several adoption-related expenses, including their travel to South Carolina, which was essential to meet their daughter and finalize the adoption.

“The grant was a huge help,” says Steve. “It took some of the financial stress off of our shoulders, allowing us to focus on what really mattered — bringing our daughter home.”

The Impact of the Grant

Steve and Deanna’s adoption experience shows just how crucial the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant can be in helping families fulfill their dreams of parenthood. The financial support they received allowed them to focus on their daughter and the journey to welcome her into their family without the overwhelming stress of adoption expenses.

“The grant made the entire process easier and gave us peace of mind,” says Deanna. “It was an immense blessing, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity it provided us.”

How You Can Help: Donate to the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant

Steve and Deanna’s story is just one example of the transformative power of adoption and the role the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant plays in making that dream a reality. But we need your help to ensure that more families like Steve and Deanna’s can be supported in their adoption journey.

If you’re currently adopting, we encourage you to apply for the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant. Visit our website to learn more and apply.

If you’re interested in helping other families like Steve and Deanna’s, consider making a donation to the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant. Your donation will directly support families in their adoption journey, making it possible for them to create a loving home for a child in need.

Steve and Deanna have a special message for those considering donating: “Your donation is helping others to create families and bring their long awaited dreams of adding children to their family to fruition. Adoption is a long journey and the grant is a crucial part in aiding couples in the process.”

A Final Word of Encouragement

For Steve and Deanna, adoption has been a journey of faith, hope, and love. Their daughter has brought immeasurable joy to their lives, and they are thankful for the role the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant played in their story.

Thank you for your continued support in helping families like Steve and Deanna’s experience the blessing of adoption.