GLENDORA, Calif.– America’s Christian Credit Union is reporting it has now funded its 2,000th adoption loan as part of an 11-year-old ministry designed to assist members seeking to adopt a child.
“Recognizing that home is the most important milestone of all, and believing that every child deserves a forever family, ACCU has made it their mission since 2009 to work diligently on behalf of vulnerable children until the last waiting child is welcomed home,” the credit union said in announcing the milestone. “Specifically, ACCU took an active role in crafting an affordable solution for America’s adoptive families, removing the biggest barrier to adoption.”
According to ACCU, for many people the cost of adoption can seem “daunting,” especially if they are going through an agency or adopting internationally– or both. The credit union noted the average cost of adoption in the United States ranges anywhere from $30,000 – $45,000.
ACCU said its Adoption Loan Program is one of the few products in the nation designed specifically for the growing Christian family.
“Thank you for praying with us throughout our adoption journey. We are so thankful for ACCU. Without financial assistance, we would not be able to afford it,” said Amanda Cagle in a statement. Cagle, with her husband Caleb, adopted a baby girl, Emmi, through ACCU’s Adoption Loan Program. “You truly have been an encouragement and blessing to us. God definitely uses you in powerful, beautiful ways. Thank you for the boldness of your faith, we thanked God over and over again for putting you in our path to walk this journey with us. You have no idea how much you blessed us.”
Month-Long Celebration
During November, ACCU said it will recognize the 2,000th adoptive family during its annual Adoption Month celebration. This annual event, which ACCU calls “A.D.O.P.T.” (A Day of Prayer Together), is a special celebration featuring adoptive families and adoption partners, champions and advocates to recognize the hard work each has done to further the mission of ending the orphan crisis around the world.
According to ACCU, the event brings awareness to the needs of nearly 400,000 vulnerable children in the U.S. foster care system and 143 million orphans worldwide who need the love, safety and support of home and family.
“As an adoptive mother myself, I know the adoption process can be arduous and overwhelming,” said ACCU President/CEO Vicki VannBerstein. “No words can describe the true joy we feel as an organization to be a part of the process of adoption and to see dreams come true for so many families. We thank God for our members, partners and supporters; because of you, thousands of children are now cherishing moments at home.”
New Partnerships
To further mark the milestone, ACCU has announced a partnership with CarePortal, a ministry of the Global Orphan Project that provides an online platform to help meet the needs of hurting children and families in crisis in every community in America. In Los Angeles County alone, an estimated 34,000 children are either in, or on the verge of family breakdown, homelessness or system integration, the credit union said. ACCU was the first county sponsor in Los Angeles County to help CarePortal launch this strategic initiative to serve local foster children and families in need.