And Big Kid Makes Three - The Brady Family's Foster Care Story
This is the story of a lovely lady and a man named Brady - Vanessa and Cody Brady, to be exact. But unlike the original Brady Bunch, this vibrant and active young couple were not bringing up three lovely girls or three boys of their own. Rather, when they came to The Salvation Army Children's Services to become a foster family, the only "child" in their home was their dog, Ember.
Cody, a senior IT Analyst who is also very involved in covering local high school sports and Vanessa, who works in memory care as well as coaching soccer and basketball, are an adventurous couple who love traveling, going to concerts, and anything sports-related - especially attending games. But in 2024, they decided to embark on an adventure of a different kind: foster care.
The Bradys shared that they've always wanted to be parents and were familiar with the need for foster families in our community. They believed they could positively impact at least one child's life. And sure enough, shortly after becoming licensed, they were given that opportunity when they were asked to care for a 6-year-old little boy.
They said yes.
After all of their preparation and planning, things quickly started to feel "real" when they got the phone call that they were selected and would be picking him up in just a few hours. "I still remember feeling the pit in my stomach that this was really happening," says Vanessa. The couple shared that they felt nervous, had some doubts, but were also excited for their journey as parents to begin.
Reflecting on their journey almost a year later, Vanessa shares that "Foster care has grown me as a person and has taught me to be more compassionate and understanding. It has also given me a better perspective and relatability towards people in difficult situations. It has grown our marriage and allowed us to love each other on a deeper level through forcing us to work together better."
Cody adds, "It has forced us to work together as a team better and support one another better. It has caused our family to become closer as well."
The Bradys describe their foster son as a lover of sports, LEGO, reading, their dog, cheeseburgers, donuts, Forrest Frank, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, getting tickled, and big hugs. Together they have shared small but powerful milestones, and they will always remember their first time taking Ember to the dog park, going sledding together, their first Phantoms game, first Phillies game, first goal he scored as his coach, and their first time going to the beach.
While the journey is not always easy, the family is thankful for all the support they receive from the community. On the night of their first placement, The Kindness Project came after hours to provide clothing and other essential items for their foster son. They have attended many foster care and adoption events at Faith Church including Parents' Night Out. They have had the opportunity to complete the Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training through The Salvation Army Children's Services (twice!) which they report has greatly helped them to understand their child and be better parents for him.
They also have a Care Community who help by providing meals as well as other practical needs. Vanessa has had the opportunity to join a foster/adoptive moms' book study where she can connect with other women who are on the same path. And finally, they were able to participate in the Rock N Run last year as a family, and plan to run again this year!
Vanessa shares, "Foster care is such a unique thing that many people will never experience or even know much about. With this being our first placement and everything being so new it at times felt overwhelming. That is why having support means so much."
There are so many ways to get involved with foster care and adoption, but the Bradys have a suggestion of a simple way to start: run! "The Rock N Run is a great event that helps children and families in foster care and raises awareness. It helps foster families like ours continue with resources such as Care Communities, TBRI training, and more."
While the family doesn't know what the future will hold for the child they are caring for, they do know one thing: they will love and support him for as long as they are needed.
"We hope to bring a positive, long-lasting impact through our experience," says Vanessa. "Pouring our love and resources into a child in a hard place and seeing them excel has been a very rewarding thing."
We would love for you to join Vanessa, Cody, and their awesome little guy at Coca Cola Park in Allentown on Saturday, May 9th for the 15th Annual Rock N Run 4 Kids. You can register for the 5K, 5 mile, or Kids' Fun Run races, or sign up to volunteer at the event, here. By joining the run, you will be helping to provide support to our amazing foster families like the Bradys, as well as raising awareness for the need for more families to support children and teens in our community.
If you would like to start your own foster care journey, please contact us - we would love to share more!
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