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Justin & Shaun's Adoption Journey

Our Journey

Our names are Justin and Shaun, but many of you that read this know us personally or are connected through rescue volunteering, or through resource sharing. A little over a year ago we decided to set out on a journey to start our own family. We’ve always fostered dogs and helped in rescue, sometimes with the dogs that needed a second chance the most. Together we have spent countless hours helping rescues, non-profits, and individuals in need.  We help others as a team and feel that life has brought us to a point where we can give back to a child and help a child in need of a family.

We’ve known each other for 19 years, spending the first 11 of it as best friends, started dating in 2011, then married in January of 2014.  In life we balance each other well, which allows us to accomplish what we do for so many. Our goal was to start a family and also give a chance to a child that would otherwise likely age out of the system without a family. Together we have researched a lot about next steps and various options for starting our own family. We looked into surrogacy, adoption, and fostering and what each of those meant for goals/ requirements. We set a goal of starting our own family by September of 2020, but an opportunity came up to start the process sooner, special thanks to our friend Martha who has been through the adoption process. She mentioned an agency she used called Second Chance Adoptions. These kids truly need someone that will never give up on them; this is in line with our original goal.

Our home study is scheduled for January 2020. We have a pretty amazing support system and to have so many supportive people in our corner makes this journey easier. Together our strengths and weaknesses, challenges, and successes will help make us solid and compassionate parents for a child in need. Most that adopt want an infant or younger child. Sometimes it’s for traditional life and other times it because it’s easier for some to take on an infant than to deal with the trauma a child has already experienced. While we would be fine with an infant, this is all about giving that chance, a family, and being in the corner to help a child become successful and a good human being on this earth.

With a strong understanding of the commitment that comes with a child/family, our lives will be forever changed. It will require some adjustments on our part with the volunteer things we do now, and that’s alright. We want to focus on the needs of a child while still having the opportunity of being a strong family and raising a kind and successful person. But as you may or may not know the adoption process is not only time consuming but can be costly, which is why we share our story.

This is where you come in. If you can help share our story or contribute in any way we would greatly appreciate it. We understand that the holiday’s are around the corner and that has costs associated.  We are happy to answer any questions and hope that you follow our journey from here on out.

Sincerely

Justin & Shaun

Fundraising team (2)

Justin Sanborn-McMeen
Organizer
Raised $375 from 5 donations
Kansas City, MO
SHAUN MCMEEN-SANBORN
Team member
Raised $100 from 1 donation

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