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St. Louis, Missouri (October 27, 2026) – A new video from Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) provides a personal look at open adoption through the story of Ivy, whose adoptive parents and birth family have built a lasting relationship centered on her.

The video: Ivy, An Open Adoption Story, features two Missouri sharing their experiences. Their journey takes them from the decision to pursue adoption to the connections they have developed since Ivy’s birth. The video is being shared in recognition of  National Adoption Month in November.

For Ivy’s birth mother, Chloe, the decision to pursue adoption came at a time when she was not in a position to parent in the way she hoped, leading her to make an adoption plan for her child. She describes feeling nervous and scared but said LFCS helped her understand the adoption process and provided support, including therapy and opportunities to connect with other birth parents.

Ivy’s parents, Blake and Kaitlin had spent several years hoping to start a family. Their adoption journey included disappointments and matches that did not move forward. They said LFCS supported them throughout the process and helped them prepare for the adoption experience.

The families connected before Ivy’s birth and developed a close relationship. Blake and Kaitlyn were present at the hospital when Ivy was born, and both families continued to spend time together. They share celebrations, family gatherings and everyday moments, creating an extended family in which Ivy can maintain connections with her birth family as she grows.

“Ivy’s story is a beautiful example of what adoption can look like,” said Melani Engel, LFCS Director of Adoption Services. “These types of connections provide adoptees with access to their full stories. We love when adoption constellations can work like this.”

The video highlights how open adoption can look different for every family. For Ivy’s adoptive parents, openness has meant an ongoing relationship that allows her to know her birth family, ask questions as she grows and understand the people who are a part of their story.

The families describe adoption as expanding their connections rather than replacing one family with another. As Ivy’s adoptive parents explain in the video, they think of her family as a constellation, with many people connected to her and invested in her well-being.

For more information about LFCS, including adoption services, visit https://lfcsmo.org/, call 866-326-LFCS, or email help@lfcs.org.

Lutheran Family and Children Services (LFCS) is a statewide agency headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with regional offices in Columbia, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, and Kansas City, as well as numerous satellite counseling sites. LFCSserves Missouri families from all walks of life in their greatest times of need. The nonprofit social services organization provides support in six critical areas to help children and families: adoption, behavioral health, parenting education, pregnancy support, foster care, and childcare at the Hilltop Child and Family Development Center.