Meet The Family
MaryJoyce (Wilson) lives in Los Angeles with her 11-year-old daughter, Miracle, and her mother, Grandma Joyce. A devoted nurse and single mom, she was born in Nigeria and brings with her a beautiful sense of calling and purpose. She loves reading and she is always eager to keep learning. For six years she has worked as an LVN and a group home administrator, with her sights set on becoming a pediatric RN. Alongside her career in nursing, she has found her ministry in caring for children through foster care and would ultimately love to welcome children into her family through adoption.
How did you find All For Kids and why did you choose to foster or foster-adopt through this agency?
MaryJoyce first reached out about fostering before the pandemic, but while everything shifted to online, she had to wait. Just when she was beginning to lose hope, she stumbled across information about Raise a Child while studying online. That connection eventually led her to All for Kids. She remembers the warm orientation and the friendly staff who helped her get started.
If you could describe your experience with All For Kids in one word – what would that word be?
Her journey has been, in her words, “passionate.” She loves the learning platforms AFK provides, especially Foster Parent College, which gave her tools to understand trauma and to support children with compassion. “My experience has been wonderful,” she says. “I recommend AFK to everyone interested in fostering. She appreciates that the staff share resources and services so she can keep growing as a parent.
How have you helped the children transition back to their families? What was that like for you?
Supporting birth families has been at the center of her approach. She makes space for FaceTime calls, supervises family time visits when needed, and stays in touch even after children reunify. Miracle, her daughter, plays an active role too. “She welcomes the children warmly, and they love her,” MaryJoyce shares proudly. The kids often stay in touch, and Miracle herself is thriving, balancing volleyball, pickleball and being a good student while sharing her heart with new friends who join their family.
What challenges have you faced as a resource parent and what have you learned?
When asked what is most difficult about being a foster parent, MaryJoyce reframes the question: “It’s about how you look at it. If you have passion, you don’t see difficulties—you see stepping stones. Each child is different. I now have a toolbox from my six years of experience. Things that might look difficult, I’ve learned to manage with compassion. I feel comfortable and equipped to parent children who have experienced trauma.”
What advice would you offer to other families considering fostering or foster-adoption?
Her advice for new foster parents is as practical and profound: “First, love yourself before you can love somebody else. Make your home comfortable and safe, so children feel free to open up. Build trust and attachment. Make them feel believed, earn their confidence, lift their self-esteem, and give them a voice.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey or experience?
Looking ahead, MaryJoyce dreams of adopting a sibling set. Because she cannot have more biological children, Miracle truly lives up to her name. And with Grandma Joyce, age 70, at her side, “She loves having the kids around!”, this is a home filled with passion, faith, and love for children.