“After 23 years of a blessed yet childless marriage and several years of contemplating adoption, we were introduced to a wonderful birth mother who due to challenging circumstances made the tough decision to offer her baby for adoption.” -Domestic adoptive parent
Adoption is more than a legal process. It is a leap of love and a promise of belonging. That belief inspired Irene Steffas to launch St. Nick’s Kids, Inc. in 2019.
With more than 40 years of experience helping families grow through adoption, Steffas created the nonprofit adoption agency to blend legal expertise with compassionate, family centered care. “Irene wanted to walk alongside families through every step of the adoption journey,” shares Executive Director Jyotika Acharya. “Today, that vision has grown into a team of well rounded social workers and staff who provide support for children and families of every background, belief, and identity.”
Based in Marietta, St. Nick’s Kids offers a full range of services for both domestic and international placements: home studies with education and training, birth parent assessments, child background studies, ICPC processing, and post placement supervision. “Our dedicated team supports expectant parents, adoptive families, and children with respect, transparency, and integrity throughout every step of the adoption process,” Acharya emphasizes.
The agency’s mission is clear: to build loving families through compassionate, ethical, and professional adoption services.
Adoption is rewarding, but not without its challenges. Families may face grief, attachment struggles, long wait times, financial pressures, and complex legal steps. “Open adoption dynamics, cultural or identity questions, and social stigma can add further stress,” notes Acharya, “but preparation, counseling, and staying connected with adoption professionals can make all the difference.”
One adoptive couple shared their gratitude: “St. Nick's assigned an awesome social worker named Melisa White to guide our process. She was the consummate professional. She left no stone unturned, while keeping us on track to complete the adoption. It was a lot of work and yet Melisa was most gracious and a calming presence through the entire process.”
For anyone considering adoption, Acharya offers encouragement: “Feeling unsure is normal, and reaching out to St. Nick’s Kids is a supportive first step toward guidance, resources, and community on this meaningful path.”
“Through it all, St. Nick's Kids have become like family and they were the perfect adoption agency to help us grow our family.” —Domestic adoptive parent
Learn more at www.snkinc.org.