Adoption is not a single moment. It’s a lifelong journey of learning, growing, grieving, celebrating, and becoming. At Beyond the Match Foundation, one of our highest priorities is making sure families feel encouraged, supported, and educated in every season.
We want to be here:
- When a family experiences the heartbreak of a disruption
- When the paperwork is signed and finalization is complete
- And in all the quiet, complicated, beautiful moments in between
Because the truth is this: Finalization is not the finish line. It’s the beginning and adoptive parents should never stop learning.
Free Resources
We believe education should be accessible. Create a free account to access our growing library of resources designed specifically for adoptive families.
Inside, you’ll find thoughtful, practical tools and adoption-informed education to support your journey. In addition, you’ll also receive occasional emails with new resources and encouragement.
Premium Resources
For families who want deeper guidance, structured tools, or specialized support, we offer thoughtfully developed paid resources.
These may include:
- In-depth guides and workbooks
- Post-finalization education series
- Disruption recovery planning tools
- Video trainings
- Professional toolkits
(Premium Resources Coming Soon!)
Every purchase helps fund our grant programs and expand support for families navigating disrupted adoptions. When you invest in these resources, you’re not just supporting your own family, you’re helping another family heal.
Why We Created This Resource Library
Too often, support fades after placement, education slows after finalization, and families are left to figure things out alone.
We believe adoptive parenting requires:
- Ongoing education
- Trauma-informed understanding
- Emotional support
- Community
- Honest conversations
new book release
Living Through the Journey
A supportive journal and educational guide for those on the adoption journey, offering thoughtful prompts and insights to help navigate emotions, reflect, and grow. Stay present and informed while waiting to expand your family, nurturing hope and resilience along the way.
Living Through the Journey is more than just a journal; it is a companion for prospective adoptive parents as they navigate the complex emotional landscape of adoption.
This guided journal provides a safe space to explore feelings, fears, and hopes, allowing parents-to-be to process their experiences in a meaningful way. With carefully crafted prompts, the journal encourages reflection on personal growth and the unique journey of adoption.
Each section offers practical insights and reminders that help users focus on what they can control, fostering a sense of empowerment during a time that can often feel uncertain. The journal serves as a gentle reminder that the waiting period is not just a pause but an opportunity for personal development and emotional preparation.
Living Through the Journey emphasizes the importance of staying emotionally present, helping users cultivate mindfulness and resilience. It encourages parents to embrace their feelings, whether they are moments of joy, anxiety, or hope. This journal is designed to be a steady source of support, guiding users through the ups and downs of the adoption process.
As prospective adoptive parents fill the pages with their thoughts and reflections, they will find clarity and strength in their journey. They will also be educated on topics that they may have yet to think about. Living Through the Journey is an essential tool for anyone looking to nurture their heart and mind while waiting to grow their family, making it a valuable addition to the adoption experience.
Meet the author.
Valerie Marble is a thirty-something author living in a small town in Midwest Kansas with her husband, Bryce. Initially envisioning a straightforward life of marriage and biological children, Valerie’s journey took a transformative turn towards adoption, leading her to embrace personal development and journaling. As a proud mother of three through adoption—Harlan, Jhett, and Lennyn—she understands the challenges of seeking control in an unpredictable journey. Valerie owns A Step Ahead Adoption Services, a consulting company dedicated to guiding prospective adoptive parents through the adoption process. When she’s not wrangling her kids, you’ll likely find Valerie in the kitchen cooking or planning thoughtful gatherings; Valerie has a gift for making others feel loved, valued, and celebrated. Her book, Living Through the Journey, is a reflection of that – it offers a heartfelt and practical look into the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of her unique path to motherhood. Drawing from her personal journey and experiences of guiding adoptive families, the book also answers common questions asked by hopeful adoptive parents, making it both an emotional memoir and a valuable resource.