b'BARKER ADOPTION FOUNDATION 2024 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT STORIES OF IMPACT 91A listening ear and a steady hand so noPregnancy Counseling one has to walk alone. at BarkerBarkers pregnancy counselors Just days before Christmas, a mothercounselor talked through what aare available 24/7 to support made the most difficult decision loving adoption plan could look likewomen facing unplanned of her life. She had been parentingand what it would mean for mom, herpregnancies or difficult her newborn son for a little over ason, and the family she might choose. parenting decisions. Grounded month, loving him deeply while alsoThe couple she selected, Sean andin respect, dignity, and the belief navigating the nonstop needs of herShannon, had been waiting with hopethat every woman deserves to other young children. The holidays,and open hearts. Their own journeybe heard, Barker offers free, already heavy with emotion, broughtto parenthood had been marked byconfidential counseling, along everything into sharper focus. Shelonging and quiet perseverance. Inwith resources to explore wanted more for her new son. AndFebruary 2024, they brought their sonparenting or adoptionwithout she knew in her heart, that love alonehome. pressure.wasnt enough to give him the life she envisioned. Though their journeys differ, birth parents and adoptive parents make As the weight of the decision choices centered on their child became too much to carry on herguided by love, courage, and the own, she searched for answers,belief that family can take many options, and more than anything,shapes.someone who would listen without judgment. After finding Barker, she set an initial appointment with a pregnancy counselor for just before the Christmas holiday.On December 23rd, she made the call.Because Barkers pregnancy counselors are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, she found support. That day, she was met with compassion, care, and space to explore her options. No pressure. Just presence. Together, mom and THEN. NOW. ALWAYS.'