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Family Source Consultants

Surrogacy Agency  | 
Egg Donor Agency
Chicago, IL - HQ  |  Orland Park, IL  |  Miami, FL
About
Last updated on Sep 06, 2023 03:41 PM
Family Source Consultants is a leading authority in Gestational Surrogacy & Egg Donation and has proudly matched, facilitated, and handled all aspects of assisted reproduction programs – whether it involves Egg Donation, Gestational Surrogacy, or both. FSC works closely with every client to ensure customized arrangements meet the specific needs of hopeful (intended) parents, gestational surrogates, and egg donors. Family Source is pleased to assist individuals and couples of all races, sexual orientations, relationship status, and religious and ethnic backgrounds to create and expand their families through surrogacy and egg donation. Family Source Consultants' staff is comprised of former Intended Parents, Gestational Surrogates, Egg Donors, and reproductive experts; combined, our staff represents a passionate, professional, experienced, and dedicated group of individuals who are uniquely qualified to provide individualized assistance to hopeful (intended) parents.
Phone: 800-372-0529
Employees: 30
Founded: 2007
Services
Last updated on Sep 06, 2023 03:42 PM

Surrogacy Agency Services
GC Recruitment / Advertising
GC Screening

  • Criminal Background Check - GC
  • Criminal Background Check - GC's Family
  • Financial Review
  • Psychological Screening
  • Medical Records Review
  • Carrier's Insurance Review
GC Matching
Case Management

  • 3rd Party Coordination (medical, legal, insurance, escrow)
  • Journey Guidance & Support
  • Travel coordination
  • Birth arrangements guidance / coordination
  • Postpartem Coordination
Billing Management
GC insurance review
GC insurance placement
Escrow Oversight
Insurance and billing support
Interpretation / translation services
Support Group for GC
Support Group for IP
Mental Health Counseling
Egg Donation Services
ED Matching
ED Non-medical Screening

  • Criminal Background Check
  • Psychological Screening with a Mental Health Professional
  • Review of Past Egg Donation
  • Medical Questionaire
  • MMPI / PAI testing
Promotions
GPAP Stage I Discount: $8,000-$10,000 Annual quota: 2
Membership Benefits Program
  • $1,000 discount on a surrogacy arrangement
  • $500 discount on egg donation arrangement
Team Members
Last updated on Oct 10, 2024 04:04 PM
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Denise Conner - Surrogacy Support Manager
After a long struggle with infertility, Denise turned to FSC to assist in building her family. Denise was aware of other agency choices, but the ability for her and her husband to meet their potential donor with the guidance of the agency made Denise feel drawn to Family Source Consultants. Aside from having her own daughters, Denise felt that nothing made her feel more complete than helping another couple to make their parenthood dreams come true through Surrogacy. Denise knew instantly from the first time meeting with her Intended Parents that they were truly the perfect couple for her. In August of 2013, Denise gave birth to a beautiful girl for the family.
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Staci Swiderski - CEO, Founder
Staci Swiderski is a visionary CEO with a proven track record of driving innovation and delivering exceptional results. With two decades of experience in the reproductive field, Staci has successfully led Family Source Consultants through periods of rapid growth and transformation. Beginning the research of family building via third-party reproduction in 2000, her strategic mindset and strong leadership skills led her to open the agency’s doors. As CEO and Founder of Family Source Consultants, Staci spearheaded the company's expansion by leaps and bounds. Under her guidance, Family Source experienced unprecedented growth, establishing itself as an industry leader. Staci's success as a CEO originates from her ability to navigate complex business landscapes, adapt to evolving industry dynamics, and inspire teams to achieve remarkable outcomes. With her strategic vision, strong business acumen, and unwavering dedication to excellence, Staci continues to drive sustainable growth for the company. Staci carries the knowledge and personal experience related to third-party reproduction and family building that continues to prove FSC’s mission.
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Cara Maple, MBA - Chief Operating Officer
Cara has struggled with infertility her entire life and has yet to have children of her own. When she discovered Family Source and its mission, she knew that this team was where she belonged. Helping celebrate alternative pathways to parenthood and destigmatize surrogacy and egg donation through education, awareness, and engagement has become her new professional passion. She is a USAF Veteran that has extensive experience in program, project, process, and communication management. She has a dual-major MBA in Management and Marketing with a focus on HR and Communications from American Intercontinental University, which she received during her impressive 17-year career with the Boeing Company on both the Space & Defense and Commercial Airplanes divisions. Cara’s personal passion is helping dogs live their best lives through rescue and fostering. She currently has ten dogs of her own and loves every minute of the chaos they bring into her life.
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Christopher Gao - Client Development Advisor
For nearly a decade, Chris has worked with individuals and couples to achieve their dreams of growing their families. Chris brings experience working on the clinical side of fertility and surrogacy services, having worked to shepherd intended parents from start to finish in their surrogacy journey. Throughout his career, he has worked as a trusted advisor to intended parents, helping them navigate through what can be a complex set of medical and procedural steps. For Chris, helping people overcome challenges to create families is the most rewarding part of his work. Chris graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in linguistics and is bilingual in English and Mandarin. He has always been passionate about exploring new places, learning new things, and meeting new people. His work supporting intended parents on their surrogacy journey began with a prominent Chicago-based fertility clinic, where he built partnerships with other family-building professionals, developed and advanced the clinic’s Gestational Carrier and other programs.
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Danielle Guaderrama - Director of Case Management
Danielle always knew that she wanted to become a mother. After marrying her high school sweetheart, that dream came true, and they went on to have two sons and two daughters. They knew their family was complete. Still, Danielle knew that she was not done with pregnancy and had a strong desire to help others dreaming of becoming parents. In 2010, Danielle decided to become a gestational surrogate. One of Danielle's greatest achievements was completing four surrogate journeys with Family Source Consultants, carrying four singletons and a set of twins (all boys!). Seeing the joy and elation on the parents' faces when the babies were born was one of the most special moments in her life. In 2018, Danielle continued her passion for third-party reproduction by becoming a surrogate case manager and working closely with surrogates and intended parents to have smooth and successful journeys. In 2020, Danielle took a short hiatus to work on her professional growth within the industry.
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Sarah Martin, MA - Director of Operations
Sarah holds a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling and has provided counseling services for over 17 years through a nonprofit that serves teens and their families experiencing trauma. She thrives when her work involves relationships with people and helping them achieve important dreams and goals. Sarah is a natural networker and is delighted to be a part of the team helping these wonderful families thrive and grow. Sarah lives with her husband and their Dachshund, Oliver. In her free time, you can find her doing yoga, hiking, and traveling to new places!
Provider Costs
Last updated on Aug 12, 2024
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Attributes & Policies
Attributes
Number of matches in the last calendar year that resulted in a pregnancy:   125
Percentage of international Surrogacy Cases (last calendar year):   35%
Percentage of LGBTQ Surrogacy Cases (last calendar year):   50%
Number of Families per Coordinator:   30
Average wait time for surrogate match (in months):   6 months
Description - "Additional Attributes":   Not provided
Languages (Business/Case Mgmt)?:   English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Japanese.
Policies
Conducts IP Background checks:   Yes
Recruits surrogates open to carrying twins:   Yes
Requires embryos to be PGT-A tested:   No
Agency fee payment schedule:   First payment due at retention; Second payment due at GC match; Third payment due at legal clearance.
Requires a non-refundable commencement/retainer fee:   Yes
Non-refundable Commencement / Retainer Fee:   $20000
Monthly allowance duration policy - start milestone:   At confirmation of heartbeat
Monthly allowance duration policy - end milestone:   Delivery
Minimum GC life insurance coverage amount:   $500,000
Rematch Fee Required under the following terms:   Upon medical recommendations following failed transfers/miscarriages
Rematch Fee (including any additional screening fees):   $10000
Supplemental agency fee for multiples:   No
Supplemental agency fee for multiples amount:   Not provided
Work with independent matches for a discount:   Yes
Refund Policy:   Agency fee is not refundable.
Timing of refunding unused journey funds:   Not provided
Available financing options:   Not provided
Sibling journey policy
15% discount on agency fees for qualifying FSC sibling journeys.
Additional Policies / Clarifications:   Not provided
Reviews
(2023, USA Parents)
It took us four years, five embryo transfers, and three surrogates to have our baby. In that time, we were transferred around to different contact people all the time, so we never really had the clearest sense of who to contact with an issue. Anytime something came up, we had a new case manager, which felt exhausting and just defeating in an already brutal process. FSC didn’t seem to know what to do with us. The first surrogate we matched with had an inability to get pregnant due to medical issues. The second had three miscarriages for reasons that could never be determined. FSC never made it clear when we could move on to try a new surrogate or what we should do. Ultimately, our third surrogate was easy with zero issues and an easy pregnancy right away. FSC was great at assisting with the birth process, but the years of being transferred around to different point people and not knowing what to do next really took their toll on us.
Approved by Vanessa Breedlove
We've enjoyed working with FSC, they have remained professional throughout the entire journey. Even with the pause in our timing due to the pandemic, they have always been available to help answer our concerns or questions.
Approved
(2022, International Parents)
Hello- sad to be writing this review but must be done. Unfortunately, our experience has seen FSC not honour their own Service Agreement. Our journey began in 21 and we had a beautiful daughter through an amazing surrogate. In fairness, we enjoyed our first FSC experience working with the people who onboarded and matched us. Fast forward to Nov 22, we began our second journey. We quickly realised that all the staff we had touch points with had left the business (a concerning sign in a short space of time). 12 months gone- the Service Agreement period ended and as per the clause within, our Registration Payment was refundable as no surrogate who met our criteria was presented within 12 months. FSC refused saying they had met their obligations as they presented a match. but she did not meet our criteria. They have tried to find a loophole where we updated our criteria based on information given by the match team at the time, which is totally unfair and we demonstrated clear written email evidence. No-one from senior leadership has got involved in our case or cared to address our concerns after our multiple attempts to reach a resolution. Match times are not what they say they are and our advice would be to research agencies and read reviews!
Approved by Vanessa Breedlove
(2022, USA parents) We found FSC through the suggestions our fertility clinic gave us, and after meeting with them we felt like it was a great fit. Every step of the way FSC kept us well informed and always checked in on us to see if we had questions or concerns. My husband and I had a long and not always easy path to welcoming our daughter into the world, and FSC was there throughout the entire journey to comfort, help, and guide us through the ups and downs. With the help of Ronda (truly an amazing case manager!), we matched with our surrogate and were finally able to begin our family through surrogacy. We even recommended our friends give FSC a chance and are excited to see them potentially build their family.
Approved
(2021, USA parents) I enjoyed working with Family Source Consultants. Didi Perry is my consultant, and she is very responsive, always on top of everything. Even after my baby's birth, when I have questions about getting social security number for my baby, she pointed me to the right direction. I recommend FSC and Didi to everyone who wants to be a parent. You will be in good hands!
Approved
(2021, International parents) FSC were very considerable and thoughtful all the way long. The case manager was always available and stayed in contact all the time We felt that there was an understanding of us as an intended parents in a way that helped us in front of the surrogate
Approved
(2021, International parents) FSC Family Source Consultants were there for us from the start. They know everything cause every single member of their staff believes in what it takes to build your family through Surrogacy. They take IPs through all steps in such an easy going way that they are always there in good and bad times. Even in rough times, their case managers are always ready to make you believe there will be a happy ending in your journey.
Approved
(2021, International parents) Excellent service and efficient. Was given the professional services through out the entire journey and always got info when needed.
Approved
(2020, International parents) We are deeply grateful to FSC for being there during the whole process, in good but also in the bad moments. Their assistance and support has made the journey easier and smoother. They are professional and supportive. We would love to have a second child and definitely we will repeat with FSC!
Approved
(2020, International parents) FSC is a wonderful agency. They were always with us during all the process. They take care about us and our project to becoming parents. They are so professionnal, effective and involved. We love them and we project to have another baby with their lovely help. Thank you so much for all your team and your, our lovely surrogate mother Rebecca who is a part of our family, we love her, she is so wonderful. Thanks to Sarah too, our lovely egg donor who is a part of our family too. Michel, Jerome and Paul, our son, Paul : "Thanks to FSC, I'm in your world and I love it"
Approved
(2019, USA Parents)
I ended up going leaving Family Source in the middle and did an independent journey, however they gave me 2 terrible recommendations: Using a middle-man to coordinate Dr. Beltos through vios with the middle man losing all sorts of information. I ended up leaving that and went to Fertility Centers of Illinois and doing an independent journey as I didn't trust their recommendations. Second, they recommended one of the worst lawyers who I used on this journey. I do recommend for agencies to NOT give recommendations.
Approved by Vanessa Breedlove
(2019, International Parents) It takes me 4 years to chase my dream. I have gone through 3 surrogates and 4 transfers during this journey. I really appreciate the FSC team for their persistent and professional support.
Approved
(2019, International Parents) FSC was great in our journey. At the beginning we had a long waiting time to be matched since we were interested in finding a GC close to Chicago. We reject the first profile we got, and with no issues we were presented a new profile. What I really appreciated is that after a second failed transfer FSC rematched us very quick with no additional fee. Our coordinator Ronda was very helpful and always ready to help.
Approved
(2019, International Parents) He puesto 8 estrellas en el match de la surrugada porqué tardamos más de un año en concontrarla, peró una vez encontramos la surrugada todo fue muy bién y el match fue bién a la primera.
Approved
(2019, International Parents) FSC did a brilliant job, they deliver a brilliant service with professionalism. General I am highly satisfied and happy with the result. One experience is the lack of information and update of surrogate matching, which intent parents finds frustrating and anxious. Also I personally feel the agency fees is very high compared to other agency with similar level of service.
Approved
(2019, International Parents) I like FSC very much. Ronda is our coordinator and she has been very helpful Zara is the co-owner of FSC and she is a wonderful person too. It takes more time than expected for us to match with the surrogate though.
Approved
(2019, International Parents) Se han mostrado cercanos y comprensivos en todo momento
Approved
(2019, USA Parents) We had the best agency. The agent was amazing and caring for our needs.
Approved
(2019, USA parents) We loved our experience with Family Source Consultants for many different reasons. From the moment we reached out to them about getting help to start our family, they treated us with respects. Starting a family is a big deal and finding a surrogate who's willing to help you on the amazing journey is an even bigger deal. They helped us find a great match and even gave a lot of knowledgeable advice when it came to contracts, not understanding certain procedures, payments and just sharing stories. Even after my children's birth, they stayed in contact just to check up on our small family. This agency made us fill like extended family in our journey and help us make the most out of our whole process.
Approved
(2018, USA parents) This was my sibling journey and once again they were amazing. They guided us through every step and even though me and the surrogate did this before it was helpful to have the contact of FSC to make sure things were going smoothly. FSC is an amazing group of people who helped me compete my family
Approved
(2018, USA parents) My experience was really flawless. Family Source set my expectations so that I was ready for the waiting involved and prepared for all of the different stages in the journey. The staff was educated and caring and really wanted me to become a father.
Approved
(2018, USA parents) Family Source Consultants was great. They matched us quickly, the journey went smoothly, and Meg was always on hand to answer any questions.
Approved
(2018, International parents) We found FSC to be unbelievably helpful on this difficult journey and were always available and at the end of the phone.
Approved
(2018, International Parents) Fui muy maltratado y discriminado por la dueña. Gracias a luna empleada de una sucursal sal de la agencia pide ser papá y no ser estafado por la dueña.
Approved
(2018, International parents) Agradecer a FSC y especialmente a Ana Petersen y Ronda Blair el habernos acompañado durante el proceso. Sus consejos, su experiencia y su paciencia con nosotros ha sido fundamental. El proceso ha sido largo, y como cualquier tratamiento médico, hay factores que se escapan a nuestro control. Hubo momentos de desasosiego, pero todo eso de olvida una vez nació nuestra hija. Incluso durante la estancia en Chicago, Ronda quiso compartir con nosotros los primeros días con nuestro bebé. No podríamos haber estado mejor acompañados durante el proceso que con ellas. Supieron transmitir tranquilidad en momentos de incertidumbre y mantenernos con los pies en el suelo en momentos de euforia. La experiencia es un grado y Ana es especial para nosotros. El proceso de match con una nuestra gestante fue compleja. No fue a la primera y tardó algo más de lo esperado. Pero al final consiguieron emparejarnos con nuestra familia americana. Y ahora, y por mucho tiempo, ella forma parte de nuestras vidas. Eternamente agradecidos.
Approved
(2018, International parents) Desde el primer momento nos hemos visto arropados y ayudados por FSC, y especialmente por Ana Petersen y Ronda Blair. Ellas nos hicieron el camino más facil, solucionaron nuestras dudas y nos mantuvieron informados de los progresos. Sirvieron de soporte en los momentos de incertudumbre, pero sobre todo, sus consejos y su cercania son la mejor referencia para volver a repetir proceso con ellas. La unica pega son los tiempos para encontrar gestate. Es cierto que no depende completamente de ellas pero fue mas largo de lo que inicialmente pensabamos.
Approved
(2018, USA parents) Family Source Consultants was an amazing group that was responsible for our very positive experience throughout our surrogacy journey. I always appreciated their prompt responses when we had questions or when returning completed forms needed throughout the process. I would highly recommend Family Source Consultants to others, in fact I already have to a friend who was looking to start a family with his husband. FSC takes the stress and complexity of scheduling, reminders, updates and paperwork out of what can be a pretty stressful and complex process. Family Source helped us with everything from egg donation, fertility clinic selection, surrogate matching as well as help with finding our legal representation. Every single one of the outside business partners that we worked with was fantastic as well. Thank you FSC for making our experience so positive!
Approved
(2018, International parents) Very good service
Approved
(2018, USA parents) As with any journey of such magnitude there were certain bumps in the road, but overall seems to have been much smoother than others and would do again and seems like a distant memory now.
Approved
(2018, International parents) FSC are part of our family. We can't conceive this long journey to parenthood without them. We felt cared, supported and helped always. We are extremely happy and would definitely repeat with them. Thanks so so so so much.
Approved
(2018, International parents) Yo trabajé con Family para la búsqueda de la donante de ovulos y con Opens Arms para la subrogación. Ambas fueron excelentes y me apoyaron en todo el proceso de manera excelente.
Approved
(2017, USA parents) FSC staff is really very nice knowledgeable. They follow up the whole process closely.
Approved
(2017, USA parents) Family Source Consultants matched us with the most amazing surrogate! We could not have asked for a better human being. We got along very wonderfully, and our baby will know her as his Auntie on the other side of the country.
Approved
(2017, USA parents) They were great overall. Provided great matches for egg donor and surrogate. Were responsive to questions and provided good support to surrogate.
Approved
(2017, USA parents) I worked with a number of people at FSC and all were professional. Megan was my coordinator and went above and beyond with immediate response, and working closely with the surrogate who was the ideal choice and recommended by the agency. The agency also connected me with an attorney who was outstanding and eliminated any issues that I know had arisen for this surrogate (but not through this agency) before such as issues in which hospital identified the surrogate as the parent and the birth certificate was listed with the surrogate as mother. In my case, this was not even an issue even though it was a the same hospital that the surrogate previously delivered. Overall this was truly an outstanding journey with a very professional agency who had the connections with the egg donor, the surrgoate, the attorneys. I really can't imagine it to have been more perfect with an absolutely adorable little loving girl at the end. There are not enough words to express how well this agency has done its job.
Approved
(2017, USA parents) We had a wonderful experience with Family Source Consultants. From our first meeting, they provided us with invaluable information, recommendations, and reassurance. Our surrogate was amazing. They were always helpful and checked in with us constantly throughout the process. We would definitely use them again if we have another child!
Approved
(2017, International parents) This is an professional and trustworthy surrogate agency. All staff is nice and helpful. My journey with FSC almost went perfect except that the surrogate matching took a little longer than what I expected. I do appreciate FSC's help in building my family. The total cost of the journey with FSC seemed to be much lower than that with other agencies in CA. I will be happy to recommend this agency to other intended parent(s).
Approved
(2017, International parents) My first child was born through the assistance of Family Source Consultant (FSC). I am a single father from China and I found both egg donor and surrogate mother through FSC. Although the surrogate mother matching took a little longer time, which may be due to the single father in my case, the whole journey ran smooth and happy. FSC gave me an impression of being professional, responsible and worthy of trust. They recommended the credible IVF center and legal agency. All the coordinators from FSC are nice and helpful. I will recommend FSC to my friends who may need the service. One advantage of selecting FSC in Chicago is that the surrogacy fee is lower than that in California.
Approved
(2017, USA parents) Our surrogate we were matched w/ couldn't have beef a better match. We absolutely LOVE her! We are flying to pick her and her 2 children up next week to have them come stay w us next week. We talk/text weekly 6 months after our boys were born. We would definitely have the same surrogate again if possible, love her!
Approved
(2016, USA parents) They were great and found me what literally was the perfect surrogate. I am using them again for my second journey
Approved
(2016, International parents) Its a good agency in general, The only issue was that I needed to make all logistics by myself, accommodation, to get the passport for the children, etc. It was OK for me as English speaker but probably not the best option for a non English speaker
Approved
(2016, International parents) Very good agency they fulfill all my expectations
Approved
(2016, International parents) La experiencia con Family Source Consultant ha sido fantástica. Siempre ayudándonos en todo el proceso, muy rapidos en las contrestaciones a nuestras dudas y todas las personas integrantes de la agencia muy cariñosas y agradables.
Approved
(2016, International parents) The biggest issue was the time taken to match us with a surrogate (3 years). As for everything else they have been very supportive, flexible , polite and warm. During the pregnancy Tracy was always on top of things and willing to help all the time.
Approved
(2016, International parents) We are extremely happy with Tracy, she was in charge of our process and was always really fast with email replays and efficient!
Approved
(2015, International parents) Supportive, reliable and indispensable for achieving the target
Approved
(2014, USA parents) We ultimately used three surrogates before successful results were achieved. In general, the requirement of using a surrogacy agency to oversee the process was entirely unwarranted, just required. We could have used independent consultants (psychologists, background checks, etc.) on our own. While there were several times we needed assistance making sure everyone's multiple roles were coordinated, we ended up doing much of that ourselves and always having to keep check on the agency to make sure they were doing what they were supposed to do correctly. There was a substantial issue of being wholly misled about timeframes, as the reality was exponentially longer than any loose estimate we were given. We also looked to the agency to retain contact with the surrogates after failed attempts to ensure communication was open and authentic to progress was other rounds. This did not happen. The first two surrogates backed out of attempting again because there was no communication follow-up with them. There was frustration not only by my husband and I, but also with every party involved. Especially frustrating was the opportunistic amount of money the agency received for doing almost nothing substantive at all. To make some relevancy of their services, they needed to be more proactive in assisting us through the process of matching with three different surrogates. Similarly, they needed to privide timeframes that were at least somewhat accurate. By the end, we did not trust anything they said to be accurate.
Approved
(2014, International parents) We were happy to work with them, Zara (the owner) is very professional but also is a great person. We felt all the time that we were guided by professional and honest people.
Approved
Stats
No Statistics Available
Surrogacy Advisor Logo
GPAP I
GPAP II
MBP

Surrogacy Agency Satisfaction

8.34
Overall Score 87 Reviews

Egg Donation Satisfaction

N/A
Recommendation Rate 1 Reviews
Surrogacy Experience
Overall Rating
8.3
Effective (contribution to the success of the journey)
2.5
Responsive and supportive throughout the journey
8.8
Surrogate screening and matching
8.5
Gay friendly and knowledgeable
9.6
Accommodation of international parents
8.2
The degree to which your actual overall cost matched the estimate/guidance from your agency
7.0

Agency Recommendation Rate
83%
Egg Donation Experience
Insufficient number of reviews.
Once this provider reaches 5 reviews, ratings will be visible here.