Former Gymtime parent and longtime friend, Becky Fawcett founded Helpusadopt.org with her husband Kipp to help families with the financial challenges that come with the adoption process.

Explain Helpusadopt.org and how it works.
Helpusadopt.org is a national 501c3 financial grant program that helps couples and individuals (regardless of race, religion, marital status or sexual orientation) with the costs of their adoptions by awarding grants up to $15,000. We award grants twice a year in June and December; and the grant application and guidelines can be found at www.Helpusadopt.org.

What are the largest misnomers about adoption?
There are so many but I think the main ones are that it’s easy, quick and free. In general, people are shocked to hear how hard it is, how long it can take, and how an average adoption costs $30,000+.

What is Helpusadopt.org’s biggest accomplishment to date?
We are not a “kitchen table” organization anymore.  We have three full time employees and an office in Mid-Town. We are turning 5 on November 1, 2012 and since our launch in 2007 we have helped to build 65 families and have awarded $495,000 in adoption grants!

What has been the organization’s largest hurdle?
The largest hurdle is growing fast enough to accommodate the great need out there. We get far more applicants than we can help each year. As we raise more money we will be able to help more people who apply.

At this point, what are the organization’s needs and how can people help?
Donations and volunteers. Every day I tell people that it’s not necessarily the size of the donation that matters but the fact that they give. Even $25 can make the difference in someone’s life and believe me —it all adds up!  We are always looking for volunteers too!  

Where do you see Helpusadopt.org in one year? Five years? Ten Years?
I see great things and I see so many more families that we are able to help! It’s a very exciting time to be a part of this groundbreaking non-profit. I am hopeful that in the next few years we will reach annual donations of ONE MILLION DOLLARS—-now that would be exciting!

What advice would you give to a couple that was about to begin the adoption process?  
I always tell people to take a deep breath as they begin because this process can be daunting at times, but what a journey! And when you do arrive at the child or children that you are meant to have it is just magical.

How did you decide to turn your experience into a non-profit organization that helps others with the financial aspect of adoption?
It was just something I knew we had to do once I found out how many people were struggling with the financial costs of adoptions. They were struggling to the point of financial ruin or living a childless life NOT by choice.  We had to do something to help.    

What was your profession before Helpusadopt.org?
I was and still am a public relations and marketing strategist.

Describe a “typical” day
A typical day: my alarm goes off at 6am. My goal is to shower, eat breakfast and get dressed before the kids get up at 7am (that doesn’t always go as planned). I am out the door at 7:45 with my son for school, then jump on a bus and go to the office—I read my Kindle on the bus because it’s the only time I get to read. Once I am in the office it’s a combination of social media, emails, meetings, coffees and lunches. Then, if I can, I jump on the bus again (with my Kindle), pick my son up from school and work from home in the late afternoons. The babysitter leaves at 5pm so then I make dinner, bathe the kids and put my daughter to bed at 7pm. Then it’s onto homework and reading with Jake and bedtime at 8:30pm. THEN I clean up the kitchen, organize his lunch and book bag for the next day, clean up the apartment, check email and social media one last time for the day and put myself to bed at 10pm. And PS did I mention I have a dog too?

What is your favorite thing about raising a family in New York City?
The fact that my son (6 ½) still reaches for my hand when we walk down the street.

Visit Helpusadopt.org to find out more about the organization as well as read about Becky and Kipp’s personal account of what they went through to have their first child. Want to be friends? Check out Helpusadopt.org on facebook and twitter. Follow Becky’s blog, An Infertile Blonde.

SHARED By: Gymtime Photo By: Sofia Negron Photography