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Mission statement
The Adoption Option Committee Inc.'s mission is to foster a positive attitude toward adoption and to assure accurate and fair consideration of adoption planning, and to provide financial assistance to birth parents who choose adoption.
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History
The Adoption Option Committee Inc. (AOCI) was founded by a group of people who were concerned that adoption was not being presented as a viable choice for women facing an unintended pregnancy. The organization received its designation as a Minnesota nonprofit in June 1983.
The organization:
- supports people who have placed a child for adoption
- raises awareness about adoption
AOCI is not a political or religious organization. This approach gives AOCI credibility and respect as it works with a wide range of organizations.
To date, the organization has provided more than 1,000 birth parents (primarily woman) with much-needed affirmation and financial support and has equipped thousands of young people with straightforward information about adoption. Most recently, AOCI has awarded scholarships to three women who are pursuing college education. The scholarship program was established with funds donated by a family in memory of their adoptive father.
AOCI is well established and highly regarded in Minnesota. With a long tradition of promoting adoption, a strong and devoted board of volunteers, and a base of individual and organizational support across the state. If you are looking for a way to advocate and affirm the adoption option, please consider joining us a volunteer!
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An
amazing Minnesota birth mother shares laughter, tears and hugs as she
tells her story of adoption. Raising adoption awareness has become a
life passion for her. Read more in our April newsletter!
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Activities
Birth parent grants. Recognizing the courage of birth parents in Minnesota who have developed and carried through an adoption plan, AOCI provides financial assistance to birth parents to cover at least partial costs of housing, medical and other necessities as needed. Social workers in contact with birth parents fill out grant applications on the birth parents’ behalf and forward the information to our grant committee. Each year, AOCI gives small grants ($400 to $500) to approximately 40 birth parents. Sadly, many recipients have expressed that the grant is the only tangible act of encouragement that they have received.
Scholarships. A new facet of the goal of supporting birth parents is the AOCI’s scholarship program, supported by funds given by a family in memorial of their adoptive father. In its first year, the scholarship program awarded three birth mothers with $1,500 toward college education.
Please visit our Education & Outreach section to learn more about our services and to get involved in building better adoption awareness.
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