For over 40 years, Lifetime Adoption has walked alongside birth parents and hopeful adoptive families, offering guidance, support, and hope during one of life’s most significant decisions. Our story begins with one woman’s heart for helping others. It has blossomed into a nationally recognized program that blends support, education, and connection, especially through its adoption information meetings and webinars.
A Calling Born from the Heart
In 1986, Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P. (Certified Open Adoption Practitioner), founded Lifetime Adoption after walking her own journey through infertility, loss, and ultimately, adoption. She knew firsthand the confusion and overwhelm that can come with navigating adoption, and she saw a need for something better. Something kinder. Something that would empower families and birth mothers with honest information, genuine support, and respect for their unique circumstances. Mardie wanted to create an organization that would help both birth parents and adopting families understand their options without pressure or judgment.
Mardie Caldwell speaking at an adoption information meeting in the 1980’s
“I love to see people’s dreams come true!” says Mardie. “I want adoption to be successful for everyone – the birth family, the adoptive parents, and the children.”
Mardie’s work as an educator and speaker laid the foundation for what Lifetime would become: not just an adoption agency, but a trusted guide and advocate for everyone touched by adoption.
Growing With the Times: Early Adoption Meetings and Information Sessions
As we grew through the 1990s and 2000s, we continued listening to what families needed. In 1997, we launched one of the first adoption websites, opening doors for families across the country to access reliable information and caring support, no matter where they lived.
Our informational meetings during this time were intimate gatherings and personal phone consultations where adoption coordinators answered questions, eased concerns, and helped families understand what open adoption truly means. Each conversation was an opportunity to walk alongside someone taking their first brave steps toward building their family or making an adoption plan.
Embracing New Ways to Connect: The Rise of Webinars
As technology advanced, so did our commitment to reaching more families. We embraced online webinars and virtual meetings, recognizing that the gift of education should be accessible to everyone, whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet rural town, whether you’re exploring adoption for the first time or ready to take the next step.
Today, our free online adoption information meetings welcome families into a warm, judgment-free space where questions are encouraged and every story matters. You’ll find sessions on topics like:
- Understanding Open Adoption: Discovering the beauty of connection and transparency in modern adoption
- Preparing Your Home Study: Walking through what to expect with practical, encouraging guidance
- Making Adoption Affordable: Real strategies for planning financially without fear
- Hearing from Birth Mothers: Powerful, honest perspectives from courageous women who’ve chosen adoption
- Live Q&A with Our Team: Your questions answered by professionals who truly care
These monthly webinars are hosted by our experienced staff: people who understand the questions keeping you up at night and the hopes filling your heart. Whether you attend live or watch the replay, you’re taking an important step forward.
Why These Meetings Matter
When you join one of our information meetings, you’re doing more than gathering facts. You’re:
Finding Clarity: Understanding the adoption process in ways that feel manageable and real, with honest insights into both the joys and challenges ahead.
Gaining Confidence: Hearing from families and birth mothers who’ve walked this path helps you feel prepared and empowered to make the decision that’s right for you.
Discovering Community: You’re not alone in this journey. Our meetings connect you with others who understand, creating a supportive network that extends far beyond a single webinar.
These educational offerings are just one part of how we serve families—alongside our partnerships with healthcare providers and community outreach efforts that help more people understand the blessing of modern, open adoption.
Virtual Meeting Etiquette
To make the most of any adoption webinar or virtual information meeting you attend:
- Find a quiet space: Choose a location with minimal distractions so you can focus and hear clearly.
- Test your technology: Check your internet connection, camera, and microphone before joining. Consider joining a few minutes early to troubleshoot.
- Mute when not speaking: To avoid background noise, keep your microphone muted unless you’re asking a question or sharing.
- Use your camera if comfortable: Turning on your camera helps create a more interactive, welcoming environment, but it’s always optional.
- Be respectful in chat and Q&A: Use polite language and keep questions relevant to the group discussion. Remember, everyone is here to learn and share.
- Take notes: Have a notepad or digital device ready for jotting down important points, resources, or questions.
- Participate as you wish: You’re welcome to ask questions, share your story, or simply listen—whatever feels right for you.
- Maintain confidentiality: Respect the privacy of others. Do not record or share personal stories without permission.
Following these guidelines helps ensure a smooth, positive experience for you and everyone attending the virtual meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Adoption Information Meetings
- What should I expect at an adoption information meeting?
You can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where adoption professionals provide honest information and answer your questions. Meetings typically include presentations about the adoption process, real-life stories, and opportunities for live Q&A or personal conversations with experienced staff.
- Are there online adoption information meetings available?
Yes! Lifetime Adoption offers free online adoption information meetings and webinars, making it easy to join from anywhere. These virtual sessions provide the same compassionate support as in-person gatherings.
- How do I register for a local adoption information meeting?
To register for a local meeting, simply follow the registration link provided in the event announcement or on our website. For example, you can register for the upcoming Christian Adoption Information Meeting directly through the provided event link.
- What topics are covered in adoption information meetings?
Topics often include understanding open adoption, preparing your home study, making adoption affordable, hearing from birth mothers, and live Q&A with adoption professionals. Each meeting is designed to answer your questions and provide the clarity you need.
- Can I attend an adoption information meeting without prior experience?
Absolutely. Whether you’re just starting to explore adoption or looking for specific guidance, our information meetings are open to everyone, regardless of experience or background.
- What should I bring to an adoption information meeting?
You’re welcome to bring your questions, a notepad for taking notes, and any loved ones who may be supporting you on your journey. If attending in person, light refreshments and helpful materials are usually provided.
- Do adoption information meetings provide personalized consultations?
Yes. After the main presentation, there is often time for one-on-one conversations with our team. You can ask questions specific to your situation and receive personalized guidance in a confidential setting.
Your Next Step Starts Here
Technology has given us new ways to reach you, but our mission remains unchanged: to support you with information, compassion, and respect as you navigate this life-changing journey. Our virtual meetings remove the obstacles of distance and cost, ensuring that expert guidance is available to you wherever you are, whenever you’re ready.
Whether you’re a hopeful parent taking your first steps toward adoption or a birth mother exploring your options, you deserve support that honors your story and empowers your decisions.
We invite you to join us for an upcoming webinar. Come with your questions, your hopes, and your concerns. Let us walk with you as you discover the path forward: one filled with possibility, purpose, and the promise of forever families built on love.
Because every adoption story begins with courage. And we’re here to support yours.
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
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