Building Families, One Act of Kindness at a Time.

Acts of Kindness Embryo Donation (often AOK) is an embryo matching/donation organization helping people who have frozen embryos and want to donate them, and individuals or couples (“intended parents”) who want to receive donated embryos to build their families.

We are founded by a compassionate team of women who have personal experience with infertility, IVF, and loss, so they emphasize compassion, support, and understanding in their work.

We’ve been where you are. We know the struggles, the questions, and the heartache that come along with this journey. AOK was created to provide a compassionate and supportive space for families like yours.

Together, we've supported over 400 embryo donors and 500 intended parents, helping bring over 100 babies into the world.

Meet Jayme & Shalistar - Our Founders

Jayme Bess, CEO

Jayme Bess knows the ache of dreams held close yet never fully realized. She is a mother to two beloved children and three little ones she never got to hold, including her twins, whose loss in October 2023 left a hole in her heart and a depth of empathy few can truly understand. From this heartbreak, Jayme discovered a fierce resilience and a calling to walk alongside others navigating the twists, turns, and uncertainties of infertility. She is dedicated to being a light for those who feel discouraged, offering compassion, encouragement, and unwavering support. Through her story, Jayme reminds families that even in heartbreak, there is hope, healing, and the strength to keep moving forward toward their dreams of parenthood.

Shalistar Young, CEO

Shalistar Young is a devoted IVF mom, and a passionate advocate for hope filled family building journeys. After welcoming her miracle son through IVF in 2014 and experiencing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss in 2020, Shalistar transformed her personal trials into a powerful mission: to support others navigating infertility with compassion, courage, and care. With over a decade of experience in the fertility field, Shalistar’s work is rooted in kindness. She is driven by the belief that everyone deserves the chance to grow their family, and no one should ever have to walk that path alone. Her unwavering dedication continues to uplift and guide families at every stage of their journey. She brings not only expertise, but a heart that understands, making her a trusted voice of comfort, advocacy, and hope.

Our Mission -

Turn compassion into family-building opportunities for all.

At the heart of everything we do is a clear and compassionate purpose: to offer hope, create opportunity, and give every embryo the chance at life it deserves. We believe that every family-building journey matters and that every tiny life, no matter how small, holds immeasurable potential.

Our mission extends far beyond matching; it’s about walking beside you through a deeply personal, often emotional process. We’re here to provide guidance when the path feels uncertain, encouragement when doubt settles in, and unwavering support when you need it most. You are never alone in this journey.

When families come together through embryo donation, something extraordinary happens. Lives are changed, legacies are created, and miracles are born. These meaningful connections are at the core of who we are and why we do what we do.

These incredible milestones are a testament to the power of love, generosity, and second chances. They reflect the profound impact of our mission and the joy that radiates through the families we serve. Together, we truly can help make miracles happen, one act of kindness at a time.

GIVE EMBRYOS, DONATE

RECEIVE EMBRYOS, ADOPT

Why Families Trust AOK

Compassion-Driven Leadership

AOK was created by women who have walked through infertility and loss themselves. Their lived experiences brings a genuine understanding of the emotional journey that accompanies embryo donation.

Every policy, service, and interaction is rooted in compassion; providing families with the empathy, support, and sensitivity they truly deserve.

Access and Education

AOK empowers families with the control, choice, and clarity they deserve in a process that can often feel overwhelming.

We prioritize education, transparency, and emotional support so donors and recipients understand their options, rights, and next steps with confidence.

Inclusivity Without Barriers

AOK is proudly inclusive, welcoming single parents, LGBTQ+ families, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

While many programs limit participation based on marital status, sexual orientation, or religion, AOK believes every family deserves the chance to grow.

Emotional Support

AOK does more than facilitate embryo matches, we support emotional healing. Our team offers personalized guidance for those navigating grief, hope, and transformation along the way.

With an emphasis on mental and emotional well-being, AOK serves as a source of strength and compassion for anyone facing infertility or loss.

Transparent Practices

AOK operates with honesty, integrity, and full transparency. Our flat-fee model removes financial uncertainty, giving families a clear and upfront understanding of their costs from the very beginning.

We are committed to ethical embryo donation, informed consent, and transparent communication, setting a high standard for trust within the fertility community.

Turning Heartbreak Into Hope

AOK was founded on the belief that even the deepest heartbreak can lead to something beautiful. Through embryo donation, we help families transform grief and uncertainty into healing, connection, and new beginnings.

Donors are able to honor their embryos with purpose, while recipients find a path to parenthood that once felt out of reach. Every day, we witness kindness turn into hope, proving that even in the hardest moments, love can be found.

Meet The Rest of Our Team

Pauline Palino, Virtual Assistant

Pauline’s path to AOK grew from a desire to do meaningful work that truly helps people. Having seen family members face infertility, she understands how deeply this journey impacts lives. In her role, she walks alongside donors and recipients, offering guidance and reassurance to make the process less overwhelming.

What she values most is hearing people’s stories and seeing how one family’s gift can become another family’s chance to grow. For Pauline, this work isn’t just a job. It’s a way to bring hope and make a real difference, one act of kindness at a time.

Testimonials

"This was such a smooth and wonderful process for our family. I was not prepared for how easily and beautifully everything fell into place to find our perfect match. Jayme and Shalistar have so much experience and advice to share. We are so grateful for Acts of Kindness and the opportunity to grow our family."

"Acts of Kindness Embryo Donation has been, by far, the best embryo adoption agency to work with (and we have worked with several others). Shalistar and Jayme are incredible staff members and clearly dedicated to this organization’s mission."

"AOK has been the answer to my prayers. Shalistar and Jayme are complete rockstars and made my experience with them a breeze. They have been by my side through it all, answered all my questions and concerns, and have been my biggest cheerleaders! I am blessed and beyond thankful to now have another opportunity to add to my beautiful family."