Get the feedBOOKS: Adopting Without Debt
Sunday, Sep 25th 2011
Julie Gumm gives hope, as well as practical resources, to potential adoptive parents.
Congratulations to Karin Peak on winning this week's book giveaway! While this contest is now closed, please come back to SixSeeds for more giveaways for good, family, fun!
Should finances stop you from giving a child a forever home?
Do you care passionately about the millions of children living as orphans? Do you long to make a difference, but feel you can’t really afford to help? If so, you are not alone. Many couples consider adopting, but only a small number actually do… and the majority who don’t cite finances as their hindrance.
But the newly released, Adopt Without Debt, written by Julie Gumm, attempts to help families who want to adopt, without incurring a lot of extra debt. A far cry from the ‘believe it and it will happen’ mantra, the Gumms attest that financial hurdles can be overcome.
Why are they qualified to write this book? Well, at age 34 and 35, Julie and her husband, Mark have adopted, paid off their home and gone on a cruise to celebrate. (No, they aren’t independently wealthy, although they did sell a home at a very opportune time!)
Using Dave Ramsey’s principles, Grimm espouses the dedication that not only got them out of debt, but allowed them to adopt without debt. While the Ramsey financial program is certainly commendable, the second half of this book is particularly helpful. In a section called, “Focus, Fundraise & Fulfill,” the author discusses how to successfully raise funds for adoption. She includes examples, such as:
Some of the clever fundraisers included:
* Online auction -The Chase family used a variation of the traditional silent auction, by contacting bloggers/ friends and asking them to donate items. (Amount raised $1500)
* Quilt pieces - The Halstead family sold fabric squares for $1. Buyers signed their name or some other message, and Jenna created a small quilt for her family, and used the rest to make quilts for children in orphanages. (Amount raised $2500)
* Partnering with Companies --The Buoniconti family sold products from 147 Million Orphans (t-shirts and their popular magazine beaded necklaces). (A percentage of the proceeds gave them $500.)
- Online auction -The Chase family used a variation of the traditional silent auction, by contacting bloggers/ friends and asking them to donate items. (Amount raised $1500)
- Quilt pieces - The Halstead family sold fabric squares for $1. Buyers signed their name or some other message, and Jenna created a small quilt for her family, using the rest to make quilts for children in orphanages. (Amount raised $2500)
- Partnering with Companies --The Buoniconti family sold t-shirts and popular beaded necklaces from 147 Million Orphans. (A percentage of the proceeds gave them $500.)
The book also offers a helpful section with a list of grants available to adoptive families.
The Bottom Line:
Even in the tight-knit adoption community where stories abound of extreme generosity -- debt still remains a roadblock to many children gaining a forever family. For a concise, easy to read guidebook on the feasibility of turning the dream of adoption into a reality – this is a definite read.
For more information, see the author's website here.
We are giving this book away this week! Please leave a comment for a chance to win. We always enjoy hearing from you.
On one week from publication at noon (EST), we'll pick a name in a random drawing from all eligible entries received and send you an email notification if you are the winner!
Limit one (1) entry per person; NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. who are 18 or older as of date of entry.
Jill Joiner
Jill Joiner is a married mom of two elementary age kids. She spends the majority of her time doing the things that moms do. She has her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Middle Tennessee State University.
Comments
by Kimberlee #
Wow this book sounds great! It sounds like a very helpful resource.
by Chris #
This would be a great resource for our Orphan Care Ministry! Thanks for the review! ~Chris
by Alison #
We really need this book right now, because we are trying to fundraise for 2 adoptions. Sounds like it would be a big help to us!
by Laura McCaulley #
We continually revisit the possibility of adoption even as God is growing our family by natural means. Of course, the question of cost always comes up, and since we are trying to rapidly eliminate our debt (and it's tough!), I'd love to learn more about relating the two goals! Thanks Jill, for featuring this book.
by Michelle #
I love adoption! We adopted our son two years ago and are looking to adopt another child. This book sounds very applicable and worthwhile!
by Karin #
I would love to have this book. I've been browsing her site, her about her speaking events. But alas, we are adopting and can't afford to buy the book. LOL.
by Cathy Coleman #
I'd love this book!
by Suzanne #
Would love to read more about this concept. We adopted internationally 7 years ago and have not done so again, due to the high cost of adoption.
by AmyP #
I would really love to win a copy of this book. My husband and I, just today, have just been presented with the opportunity to possibly adopt a little one. My heart is so full right now! Such a timely book review for us!
by Susanna #
It would be wonderful to be able to adopt without badgering family and friends to buy stuff. If there's a good way to make money for an adoption without it asking for charity giving, that would be great. A bonus would be to be out from under a mortgage.
by Stacey #
Sounds like it would be a great resource for adopting families. Maybe someday...if not, we have friends seriously considering it that I would love to pass it on to.
by Lori B. #
I'd love to get this book and give it to a dear friend who is adopting. They've had one small and successful fundraiser to get the process started, but they are currently trying to decide on what fundraiser to have next.
by Julie #
Don't forget that you can adopt children for free through your state's department of social services. There are many needy kids right here in the states, and sometimes they even come with an adoption subsidy, meaning money to you every month even after you adopt them.
by Karen Bruck #
We are only one month away TODAY from awarding our first grant for adoption. Please enter our essay contest to be in the running for an adoption grant for a person or family adopting domestically. Thank you...and incluse my website in your next book!
by Patricia #
This book looks wonderful on many levels. First one is the give a child a permanent home. Welcoming that child into your home on a debt free basis sounds great. That way more dollars are available to do things with and for the family...including the new adopted member. The list could go on but you already see my point. Of this I am sure.
by Julie Gumm #
Thanks for sharing about my book!
by Kimberly #
This sounds like a wonderful, resource-filled book!
by Heather Dahlke #
Would love to read this book and pass on to those who have told me, "we've thought about it, but it's a money thing right now". We adopted a beautiful little boy this past March and so we are well-aware of the cost. Waking up to his sweet smiling face each morning is more valuable than anything else we could have possibly used that money for.
by Jill Joiner #
Hi Julie --
We were thrilled to be able to review your book! Thanks for providing such a useful contribution to the adoption cause.
We were thrilled to be able to review your book! Thanks for providing such a useful contribution to the adoption cause.
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Julie Gumm gives hope, as well as practical resources, to potential adoptive parents.
by Addie Talley #
I would love to read this book and see what they did right and see if it would be adaptable in our small community... I commend anyone willing to step out on faith.