ADOPTION - ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN

Our Adoption programs offer training and support to families adopting domestically, internationally, or from the foster care system. We approve/license Christian families for children needing a forever home. These families opent their hearts and homes as an act of faith, showing God’s love because He loved us first. Going through the adoption process can be overwhelming. Our desire is to come alongside families with love and compassion. The “Smith” family was excited to go through the adoption process and shared that their worker, Sarah, was easy to work with and they felt very cared for and supported by Sarah throughout the entire process. The “Jones” family also had a wonderful experience working with ECFA as they opened their home to a child needing permanency. They shared that their experience went smoothly and efficiently and working with Sarah was a joy

INTACT FAMILY SERVICES

Our Intact Family Services (IFS) program serves families indicated by DCFS for abuse or neglect. Often times the families have significant underlying issues that need to be addressed, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health concerns. Through referrals to specisalized providers, including ECFA’s counseling and pregnancy support programs, parents are given the help they need to prevent further abuse or neglect, improve overall functioning, and their family together. “Ginny” has a history of substance misuse and has been a victim of domestic violence. Ginny and her children both have experienced significant trauma for many years. A couple of years back Ginny accepted Christ as her Savior and turned her life around. Ginny is sober and has left her abuser. However, the impact of trauma remains. The family deeply appreciates the support given by ECFA which has included counseling for the mom and her children. The oldest teenager living at home recently shared her testimoney with her youth group and mom’s 19 year-old daughter who lives on her own, recently accepted Christ as her Savior. The family’s faith has become a focal point of their lives.

PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES - ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN

Our Pregnancy Support Services programs (PSS) affirm life by coming alongside moms and their families throughout her pregnancy and after the baby is born. Two unique aspects of our program are that we go to homes of the families we are serving and all of our services are free. We offer emotional, educational, and practical support related to healthy parenting, child development, relationships, etc. We also have a mentorship program for moms wanting to connect with a mentor after case closure. “Katie” came to ECFA feeling uncertain about her ability to parent as this was her first pregnancy. Katie was open to discussing adoption and parenting with her ECFA caseworker and ultimately decided she wanted to parent. Katie is now a mom to a sweet girl and the love she has for her daughter is evident. Using the information she learned during her time with her caseworker, she has adjusted well to her new role and shows a confidence she did not previously have. Katie has begun to make attending church a priority and desires to dedicate her daughter to the Lord.

COUNSELING SERVICES

ur counseling program serves a wide range of clients including younger children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We work with individuals, families, and couples. Fees are based on income and we are blessed to have two grants that allow us to offer low cost counseling to those who fit the criteria for these grants. Our approach is to treat everyone with compassion and provide personalized support to help them feel prepared to address and resolve their personal challenges. “Sharon” shared that the counselors her family worked with, Ken and Faith, went above and beyond their mere obligations to clients. Sharon stated that they were full of passion and commitment and her family is grateful. “Joan” and her husband sought out help with the challenging behaviors being shown by their children. Joan shared at the end of counseling that the help they received was wonderful during the difficult parenting seasons and they are thankful for the support they received.