When Kymberley and Dustin Pierce went on their first date 22 years ago, Kymberley told Dustin she wanted to adopt a child. Despite adoption not being the most common first date topic, Dustin was onboard.
“For me, it’s always something I’ve wanted,” Kymberley said.
Six years ago, the Pierces, who live in Ignacio, started the foster parent certification process and were certified within three to four months. The couple have two biological children, and before the family started welcoming other children into their home, they ensured their boys felt comfortable.
“They are super supportive and onboard and are really excited about the journey themselves,” Kymberley said. “It’s definitely something the whole family needs to be a part of because it affects everybody.”
In 2016, a case worker reached out to the Pierces, asking if they had interest in adopting a young girl in need of a permanent home. The Pierces met Nikki when she was 7 and fostered her before adopting her, but they knew from the beginning she would become a member of their family.
“When we met her, the feeling was definitely very different than it was with any of the other children who have been in our home. ... We saw her and just knew,” Kymberley said.
Dustin said the adoption of their daughter made their family complete.
The Pierces took time off from fostering after they adopted Nikki to focus on their central family. However, after a little time, it was their children who encouraged them to start fostering again. The family currently has two foster children in the house.
The Pierces own three local businesses, Diesel Armour, Cowboy Towing and Recovery and Back Alley Boutique, and Kymberley said the kids learn a sense of self and belonging through helping with the businesses. She said it also helps the parents to keep a flexible schedule and spend one-on-one time with the kids. For example, Dustin frequently teaches the kids about car mechanics.
Even though becoming a foster family is a significant commitment, Kymberley does not think it takes a “special person.”
“It just takes someone who has a lot of love to give and patience and a lot of understanding,” she said. “And a really good support system.”
Toilynn Edwards, placement resources administrator with the Colorado Department of Human Services, said the state looks for all kinds of families to open their homes for foster care and adoption. There isn’t one specific formula. However, Edwards did say successful foster families are typically flexible, have a sense of humor and are able to come into the foster process with an open heart and open mind.
The Pierces said seeing the changes they are able to make in kids’ lives is rewarding; they’re still in touch with many children who have returned home after spending time in the Pierce home.
“It’s crazy all the kids you get to meet and help with their lives and give them opportunities they’ve never had before. Even some of the little things are just unbelievable,” Dustin said.
However, Dustin noted how emotionally difficult the process can be.
“I try to picture myself as a tough guy and nothing gets me down, but it’s an emotional roller coaster. ... It’s hard proving yourself to kids and making them feel welcome and comfortable. At the same time, you get super attached to them and they eventually go home or move on sometimes and that’s rough on a guy,” Dustin said.
Kymberley agreed, saying, “Fostering is definitely not for the faint of heart.”
Yet, Kymberley encouraged any family who is thinking about becoming a foster family to get involved.
“I definitely would encourage everyone who has it in their heart to do it. It’s a really good thing and it’s definitely needed. Especially as the kiddos get older,” she said. “There’s so many kids that age out of the system with no family, no support, nothing, and everybody deserves to have that.”
Edwards said the best thing for a family to do who is thinking about fostering is to continue doing research and get in touch with local resources.
“There are so many of us who work with kids who want to see families and kids be successful. Families are going to have support walking through our system,” Edwards said.
November is national adoption month, and Edwards said Colorado needs families who are interested in fostering or adopting older children. La Plata County typically has an average of 10 to 13 children who are awaiting adoption from foster care.
There are many ways to support foster families and kids, even if a family doesn’t feel like they are in a position to adopt, Kymberley said. Mentoring kids through county programs, bringing dinner to a foster family or providing space for a foster parent to talk through their experience are all helpful actions one can take.
For the Pierces, however, they can’t imagine their family without foster children.
“Within my family dynamic, I know love is infinite and family doesn’t really have anything to do with DNA as much as it does family,” Kymberley said. “I knew my family could look a little out of the norm, but we’d still be family.”
smarvin@durangoherald.com
