From Foster Parent to a Lifelong Connection
Karette “Ms. Kerry” Grant has been part of the foster care community for most of her life. She began fostering alongside her mother, Vivienne Campbell, a deeply respected foster parent whose impact is honored through the Foster Parent of the Year Award at Bridges Homeward. After her mother passed away, Ms. Kerry continued fostering as a single parent, with the same compassion, commitment, and love.
Several years ago, Ms. Kerry welcomed two brothers into her home. Their third brother was placed with another foster parent within our program, and from the very beginning, Ms. Kerry made it a priority to keep the siblings connected. The boys spent nearly four years in foster care with the goal of adoption, and Kerry adored them. She showed up fully, advocating for their bond as brothers and creating a home filled with care and stability.
Over time, the boys’ biological father became more involved, and the permanency goal shifted from adoption to reunification. The transition was not easy. Ms. Kerry and the boys’ father came from very different backgrounds and perspectives, and the process was long and emotional for everyone involved, especially the children.
What ultimately changed everything was patience, trust, and having an experienced Bridges Homeward team to help guide the entire process, prioritizing reunification whenever possible.
As the father came to recognize that Ms. Kerry was not a threat but someone who genuinely loved his children and supported their reunification, the dynamic completely changed. About two years ago, the boys reunified with their father, and the relationship with Ms. Kerry did not end.
Instead, it grew into a lifelong connection.
Today, all three boys remain closely connected to Ms. Kerry, they call her regularly, and their father brings them to Cambridge for visits. Just a few weeks ago, they gathered at her home for a pizza party, sharing laughter, stories, and time together.
Ms. Kerry is incredibly proud of the boys and of the relationship they continue to share. She often lights up as she shares photos of their visits with Bridges Homeward staff. Her story is a powerful reminder that foster care does not always end with goodbye. Sometimes, it becomes the start of a lasting connection.