Midwest agency collects supplies for expectant mothers facing crisis

Ninety percent of adoptions processed by All About U Adoptions are open arrangements. The Sioux Falls-based agency is currently collecting basic necessities for expectant mothers across South Dakota and the Midwest who are navigating pregnancy during personal crises.

The drive seeks toilet paper, shampoo, and canned goods. These items are intended to preserve the dignity of the women as they prepare for delivery and potential adoption. Donations can be dropped off at the agency's office or purchased via its Amazon wishlist.

Coleen Brash, the executive director, stated that many of the women lack consistent support systems. "They’re dealing with a lot of things in their life. It could be homelessness. It could be addiction. It could be food insecurities," Brash said. She noted that the resources will help sustain the mothers until they are more stable.

The agency hand-delivers the donations to women in the region. One former birth mother, Brooke Standing Bear, described her experience with the organization. She became pregnant unexpectedly and faced addiction struggles after giving up her son for adoption. Standing Bear lost custody of her daughters a year and a half after the placement.

Standing Bear said her addiction had lasted between five and ten years. "I finally caught my sobriety, my sobriety chain, July 1st of last year," she said. She now resides in Rapid City with her two daughters. She maintains an open relationship with her son, Nathan, and his adoptive family.

Standing Bear described the ongoing connection. "We have these special times that we talk to each other, like, during Nathan’s birthday. We’ll all pray together or, like, when we talk to each other for Thanksgiving, we’ll all pray. It’s really nice," she said.

The specific supply drive runs for the entire month of November. The agency accepts monetary donations year-round. More information is available at aauadoptions.org.