Welcome to the Boyd Family!

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Heather Boyd and her husband, Whit, always had a soft spot for children. The concept of being a foster family was always one that they were interested in, but the couple also wanted to have biological children together. “I did want my biological kids to be older than any others that came into our home, to help establish the culture, and help the other kids adjust to their new environment.” Said Heather.
The Boyds have been married for 21 years, and had four biological children before they became involved in foster care. Abigail (age 19), Grayson (age 17), Maggie (age 15) and Finley (age 13) were all a big part of the decision making process to begin fostering other children.
“I am grateful to have been raised in a healthy, happy home.” Heather said in an interview, “We had a couple of friends who were foster families, and it always interested me to be able to help kids who came from hard places.” The Boyds waited until their youngest child was eight years old, and then discussed the idea of fostering with them. “It's a decision that greatly affects the whole family, so I asked each of them to think and pray about it for a while. Within two weeks, each one of them came to me and said they thought we should do it!”
About a month after earning their license, the Boyd family took in their first foster child, and from there, were placed with 14 others over time. Some were respite cases, and only stayed for a week or so, others stayed for longer, up to a year. Everything changed in June of 2020, when they took in three foster children, all siblings. Charles (age 14), MadiLynn (age 13) and James (age 11) were all welcomed into the Boyd's home. The following June, a year after their arrival, the Boyd family decided to make their presence in their home permanent!
All of the kids are doing great in their new home. They have undergone so many changes in their home, church, school and lives in general, but their new parents say they have adjusted like champs and are continuing to grow personally and emotionally.
If you are considering fostering or adopting, the Boyd's encourage you to continue to consider it. “It is so rewarding, and so needed. There are definitely challenges and difficulties, but the good outweighs all of that.”
“To kids in foster care, I would like to say, ' Don't give up hope! Things may seem uncertain, but there are people who care and will help you.'” Says Boyd. This is a sentiment that extends to all children and young adults who are a part of the foster care system. Don't give up hope.