Garrison Keillor once said, “Nothing you do for children is ever wasted.” That is a quote that has resonated with me since I first heard it many moons ago. I wholeheartedly believe that to work in the service of children means that we are investing in the future. For me, advocacy had been something that I always did, I just didn’t realize it until I found myself advocating for my own children.
Shortly after marrying, my husband and I learned we couldn’t have biological children. Devastated, but determined, we explored adoption through foster care, starting classes in the summer of 2015 and completing our home study by the year’s end. Initially hesitant, we took the plunge in June 2016 after tragically losing my cousin and realizing that fear should not hold us back from living our lives to the fullest. When we received a call from a caseworker on an average Tuesday morning, we said yes to our now son and daughter. Meeting them felt like destiny.
Our journey into foster parenting was intense, supported by a remarkable case worker, licensing worker, friends, and family. We adjusted quickly to our new family dynamic, but after 16 months, our children were reunified with their biological family—a heart-wrenching experience that left us grieving in silence. We put our foster license on hold and considered our next steps: continuing to foster, pursuing private adoption, or moving forward childless. Just as we were wrestling with these decisions, we received an unexpected call for an emergency placement. The two young children we
thought we would never see again were returning to foster care. It was more challenging than we could have anticipated, but with our supportive village, we managed.
The need for comprehensive therapy for our children ignited my passion for child advocacy. Shortly thereafter, I began working as a Director at an early learning center in South Kansas City, where I witnessed the profound impact of early childhood education. Despite the disruptions of COVID, we continued to support families and even hosted a virtual adoption hearing there for our family in April 2020.
Through my role, I became involved with Kids Win MO, eventually joining their team after gaining confidence as an ECE Fellow. Leaving my previous role was tough, but knowing I could make a broader impact eased the transition. I have a passion for helping make the world a better place. After joining the Kids Win team, I feel privileged to stand along side a group of other passionate and hardworking stewards of the early childhood space. I have also been able to meet even more members of this community who have made it their personal missions to ensure a better future for the children of Missouri. I can’t believe that I get to do this work every day and look forward to continuing to make an even bigger impact for the state of MO.
Jessica currently resides in Kansas City where she enjoys cross stitch, embroidery, volunteering for her children’s school, and is a newly minted soccer/gymnastics mom! Jessica joined Kids Win in June 2024. Interested in contacting Jessica? Please email at jtran@kidswinmissouri.org.