Author: Kimberly Williams-Jenkins, Foster & adoptive Mother
My name is Kimberly Williams-Jenkins. In addition to serving on the LSS Board, I myself am an adoptive mother.
Over a decade ago I saw an article in the newspaper. The headline read, “Woman convicted of killing foster kids and storing them in freezer.”
Not only was I horrified but I was extremely distraught. My husband and I had been talking about becoming a foster home for years. I was angry. Why had we not done it yet? Although I know there was nothing I could have done to prevent that horrible crime, a part of me believed that it was my inaction that allowed this to happen. We signed up that day.
I would probably say … within 6 months and 5 kids into being a foster mom, we received a phone call about a 5-year-old boy who needed a home and was also available for adoption. The moment I met him, I bent down so I could look him in the eyes. I’d heard from Amy, the LSS social worker, that he loved to smile … and that’s exactly how we greeted each other. I knew then that he was going to be my son; and we were going to be his forever family. On your tables are some family photos of our little Lavontay — who is not so little anymore! He’s 12 years old now and still loves to smile.
We provided foster care for 7 years and gave a home to 23 children throughout that time. Each child we met was in a horrible situation that was no fault of their own. They wanted to reach their potential, make their dreams come true, and more than anything else…they desired to be loved.
