2023-November-07

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From Volunteering to Extending Her Family

BY KELLY HALL · VP CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE · UNITED STATES

WITH HELEN GALL AND VIJI IYER

3 MINUTE READ · 6 MINUTE LISTEN

I met my husband, Alan, in 2010 in North Haven, Connecticut. After we were married, we discussed starting a family. We agreed if we couldn’t conceive, adoption was a strong possibility.

To our delight, I became pregnant and gave birth to our daughter, Lyla, in 2015.

Kelly and Alan holding Lyla’s hands in a field of grass and bushes.

Lyla’s first birthday.

A few years before Lyla was born, we became involved with Heart Gallery (HG) of Tampa. We supported HG through volunteering and fundraising and had considered becoming foster parents ourselves.

Our friendship with HG’s Executive Director Lindsay Hermida grew deep over time — it was the catalyst for growing our family of three to a family of four.

In June 2021, Lindsay reached out to our friend group chat, asking for help.

A 9-year-old boy named Matthew had been left at the Department of Children and Families (DCF) without notice. Alan and I deliberated the immense responsibility of helping Matthew and the impact it would have on our lives.

Did we know how to be parents to a 9-year-old boy with different needs than our daughter? Could we properly support a child who had life experiences like Matthew? Would this be safe for Lyla? Were we allowed to take Matthew in without being licensed foster parents?

With the support and reassurances of HG, we decided to take the plunge.

We underwent immersion training, obtained clear background checks, and successfully completed a home study. HG requested emergency foster placement for Matthew with us and eased our concerns about the care Matthew needed, confirming he had no history of issues with other children.

With answers to our questions, Alan and I sat together to reflect. We realized that a child needs three things: A stable roof over their head, food in their bellies, and loving arms to hold them.

We could offer all those things to Matthew, and it would be our honor.

So, at 10 p.m., I called Lindsay and told her we were in.

Meeting Matthew

The next week was a whirlwind.

Lindsay helped create opportunities for us to meet Matthew in casual settings outside the HG office. The court approved the emergency placement. Within twelve days, Matthew moved in with us.

The transition to foster parenting was challenging, compounded by the disorganization of DCF and a lack of providers for pediatric treatment. We were determined to ensure Matthew didn't get lost in the system.

Despite initial behavioral challenges, we provided love, patience, and stability. We saw Matthew's walls come down, revealing his true self.

Welcome to the family

Alan, Lyla, Kelly, and Matthew in an airport parking area.

Our very first family photo.

We fell in love with Matthew quickly. After just two weeks, we knew that we wanted to adopt him.

We waited four months before discussing adoption with him, being open and giving him the choice to join our family permanently. Without hesitation, Matthew confirmed he wanted us to be his forever family.

A year after Matthew moved in, we adopted him with the help of the Heart Gallery. Without them, it would have taken years. I am determined to support HG and similar organizations that advocate for children who need champions.

Alan and I were well into the adoption process when I joined Cisco, so I didn’t need to leverage any adoption-specific benefits like adoption leave or adoption support services available in certain countries.

However, Cisco provided amazing support, allowing me to add Matthew to my insurance and granting me time off to celebrate his adoption. Even as a new employee, I felt the unwavering support of my Cisco family.

I was flooded with support and love from my leadership, peers, employees, and business partners. My leader supported me in taking time off to commemorate Matthew’s adoption, bringing peace to me and my family.

I felt incredible support from my Cisco family, even as a new employee.

The whole family posed with a judge in the courtroom.

Adoption day.

After the happily ever after

As a family of four, we are an active bunch. We attend our kids’ sporting events, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy poolside hangouts and grilling with our goldendoodle, Charlie.

Being a foster parent is worth it. Despite the challenges, the tears, and the busy schedule — seeing the walls crumble, witnessing their academic success, and hearing them call you Mom or Dad makes it all worthwhile.

There are 400,000 foster children in the United States and 3,000 in the Tampa alone. They need our help. If you can’t adopt or foster, you can volunteer and donate.

Cisco will donate $10 for each hour you give and match your donations through Benevity.

Every one of us can help these children in different ways. If interested, I suggest you start with Heart Gallery of Tampa.