Beginnings FAQ

1.  When was Beginnings Family Services (BFS) established?

BFS was incorporated in 1984 and opened its doors in 1985.

2.  Why was BFS created?

A group of concerned Christians met in 1981 to discuss the difficulties faced by women with unplanned pregnancies and thereafter recognized the need for a Christian counseling and adoption service. Thus, Beginnings was incorporated in 1984 and opened its doors in 1985. To this day, Beginnings continues to provide services with Christian values, but respects the rights of those we serve whose beliefs are different.

3.  What is the BFS mission?

In the conviction that life is a gift from God, Beginnings mission is to provide services related to pregnancy and adoption.

4.  Where is the BFS head office located?

The BFS head office is located at:

1 Young Street
Suite 308
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 1T8
Phone:  1 905 528 6665
Toll Free:  1 877 528 6665
Fax:  1 905 528 6589

5.  How is BFS related to Beginnings Cobourg, Beginnings Guelph, Beginnings Hamilton and Beginnings Woodstock?

BFS has four local offices in Cobourg, Guelph, Hamilton and Woodstock.

Beginnings Hamilton Local Office is exclusively responsible for:

• Education
• Family support
• Pregnancy counselling
• Adoption services
• Embryo Donation services
• Infertility counselling services

Beginnings Cobourg, Guelph, Hamilton and Woodstock Local Offices are commonly responsible for:

• Pregnancy testing and counselling
• Parenting and family support programs
• Care cupboard
• Local governance, management, communication, administration


6.  How is BFS related to the Beginnings Foundation?

The Beginnings Foundation was spun out of BFS in 2010 to separate pregnancy and adoption related service provision from fundraising so as to foster focus and clarity in objective setting and work plan implementation for each respective organization.

7.  Is BFS a Canada Revenue Agency registered charity?

Yes, Beginnings is a non-profit agency, with registered charitable status (CCRA Charitable Reg. No. 11880 2388 RR0001).

8.  Does BFS directly issue tax receipts to donors?

Yes, BFS directly issue tax receipts to donors from head office.

9.  Are BFS finances audited?

Yes, BFS finances are subject to complete annual audits.

10.  Is BFS a licensed adoption agency?

Beginnings is licensed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to provide adoption services in Ontario. Beyond Ontario, we can provide adoption services on a case by case basis in provinces and territories that have provision for private adoption.

11.  What services are provided by BFS?

BFS services include:

• Free pregnancy counselling
• Education, prenatal and parenting programs
• Infertility counselling
• Open adoption services
• Open embryo donation services
• Interim foster care
• Post abortion counselling
• Community referrals
• Post adoption counselling
• Reunion counselling

12.  Are there restrictions based on age, gender, ethnic origin, religion or walk of life to being a BFS client?

No there are no BFS client restrictions based on on age, gender, ethnic origin, religion or walk of life.

13.  How many infant adoptions has BFS processed since establishment?

BFS has placed 247 children with adoptive families since establishment.

14.  How many infant adoptions does BFS process on average per year?

On average BFS places 15 children with adoptive families each year.

15.  How many prospective adoptive couples are on the BFS Infant Adoption Waiting List at any given time?

There are an estimated 75 prospective adoptive couples on the BFS Infant Adoption Waiting List at any given time.

16.  How many embryo donation placements has BFS processed since establishment?

Given that the BFS Embryo Donation Program launched in April 2010, initial placements are currently being processed.

17.  How many embryo donation placements does BFS process on average per year?

Given that the BFS Embryo Donation Program launched in April 2010, initial placements are currently being processed.

18.  How many prospective recipient couples are on the BFS Embryo Donation Waiting List at any given time?

There will be an estimated 75 prospective recipient couples are on the BFS Embryo Donation Waiting List at any given time.

19.  Does BFS charge fees for services provided?

Yes, BFS does charge fees for services provided consistent with the organization’s not-for-profit status.

20.  Does BFS offer financial support to clients who cannot afford services provided?

Yes, BFS does offer financial support to clients who cannot afford services provided on a case by case basis.

21.  How does the BFS report on past performance?

BFS past performance is recorded in a summary report including audited financial statements presented at the Annual General Meeting.

22.  How does the Beginnings Family Services  report on future plans?

The BFS future plans are recorded in a summary report including budgetary projections presented to the Board for approval.