GOLF TOURNAMENTS, 5Ks, and auctions are all excellent ways to fundraise for a good cause, but J.D. and Lindsie Henry found another way to raise money by serving with Both Hands. Both Hands is an organization committed to serving: one hand for orphans and the other for widows. Each fundraiser through Both Hands serves a widow, and every sponsorship and donation helps a potential adoptive parent afford their adoption costs.
The Henrys first heard about Both Hands through a social worker during their first adoption journey. The social worker had seen another couple have success with the organization and suggested the organization as a way for the Henrys to cover their adoption costs. J.D. and Lindsie loved the idea.
“We got to bless a widow in our community while fundraising for our adoption — that was so beautiful,” Lindsie said. “It was such an honor to see all of our friends and family come and serve that day.”
Each Both Hands project looks different, as it is guided by what the widow needs. The Henrys, alongside their family and friends, did a complete landscape overhaul — removing ivy and vines, cutting down trees, redoing flower beds, and installing a new wheelchair access ramp.
“It’s just a beautiful picture of [an] adoption fundraiser, but in a servant way,” Lindsie said. “We were able to raise enough money to where when we adopted our twin boys in 2023, we had no costs.”
Now, the family is on the journey to adopting a third child and recently completed a second Both Hands project in the community. They replaced a garage door, painted the bathroom, power-washed the deck, replaced a picnic table, and cleaned and organized many things around the house. Once again, the event was an amazing experience and a complete success. While the Henrys are in the waiting period of their adoption journey, Lindsie said it is a relief to know that the costs have been covered.
“There are financial burdens that come with pursuing adoption,” Lindsie said. “Knowing that our fundraising is finished and the weight that’s been taken off of the process is such a blessing.”
Adoption is a gift for parents and children alike, and finances should not get in the way of parents who feel called to adopt, J.D. said. Both Hands is set up to help parents pass that hurdle.
“There’s so many good parents out there that would love to adopt,” J.D. said. “I would definitely not let the money part scare you because Both Hands is such a wonderful organization. They will help you out any way they can.”
There are many ways to get involved, either to help fund adoptions or to help support widows. Whether by volunteering time, supplies, or money, there is al- ways a way to get involved.
“Even if you’re not called to adopt, everyone has a role in pro-adoption communities,” Lindsie said. “Both Hands offers a great opportunity to serve and bless those around you.” GN
Find out more about Both Hands at bothhands.org, or call (615) 212-8824 for more information.
