Hello! We are Michael & Elena Ashinhurst and since fall of 2015 we've been in the process of adopting 2 of our grandchildren that have lived with us since they were toddlers and are now 9 & 11. We've had the 11 year old since May of 2007 at the age of 18 months, and the 9 year old since February 2009 at the age of 16 months. In March of 2009 we were granted sole custody of both children. 

It's been a long time since they've had  contact with any of their parents (same mother, different fathers), and both have been asking to be adopted for quite some time so that they can feel more secure. At this point, we've exhausted our resources for continuing the adoption and need help to finish it. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, 2 months from now, but need help getting there. We have mediation in January and court in February. We have just over $1800 due immediately, and another $1000 due by January 15. We also need to finish paying the Estate Attorney ($500 due) that set up contingencies (our will, a trust to care for them through college, and guardians set up) for the kids should something happen to us before they reach legal age. 

All funds will be used to go either directly to the Adoption Attorney first, then if our goal is reached to the Estate Attorney, or, if necessary, I will get a title loan on my vehicle (horrible I know, but my car is NOTHING when compared to my kids). If that becomes my only option, then any donations from here would be used to go directly to the loan obtained for the purpose of completing the adoption. 

This adoption in incredibly important to our grandchildren! We've worked so hard since fall of 2015 to make this happen and have exhuasted funds, and it would just be heartbreaking to have to stop the process at this point.

Our grandkids have lived with us for the majority of their lives and don't even remember living with anyone else. They are doing well and very much want to feel secure in their future, and that's exactly what we're doing everything we can to be sure that we provide that for them.

Their bioligical parents aren't able to provide for them on a financial or emotional level and haven't been able to for some time. Their mother has served 2 years in prison and is currently out on parole, but did not visit them for 2 years prior to going to prison. They have not had contact with her in just over 4 years. The 9 year olds father is currenlty in prison and isn't eligible for his first parole hearing until at least 2018. The 11 year olds father has been MIA since October of 2007. We, and our surrounding family, have been the only stable people in their lives. 

Any contribution, large or small, would be greatly appreciated from the bottom of our hearts because essenitally, this is their entire life and every single dollar helps! They are awesome kids and deserve to feel that their future is secure. Thank you so much for reading this and hope that you'll consider helping them! If you can't help financially, please pray for our family and consider sharing the link on your Facebook and forwarding through email to help spread the word. Thank you so much!

The Ashinhurst Family