A young couple from Little Rock changes lives by adopting 19 kids in just six years

Little Rock, Arkansas – Over the previous six years, a young couple from Little Rock has welcomed 19 foster children into their home and heart.

Their narrative, which demonstrates the difference individuals can make in the lives of families and children in need, is one of incredible compassion and dedication.

This is the second installment in our series delving further into Arkansas’s foster care system.
Will and Emma McGrath begin their workday with a cup of coffee before the daily grind, much like many other couples do. What sets these two apart, though, is that they have always felt compelled to provide a safe haven for some of the state’s most vulnerable infants and children, even before they were married.

“We both felt a calling from the Lord to get into fostering and so like our first date, it wasn’t a normal conversation topic, by any means,” Will McGrath explained. “But that came up that we both had a desire to do that in the future.”

Emma McGrath remarked, “The crisis is just so extreme, especially in Little Rock.” It was impossible for us to ignore this. We, the 19-year-old self, kept our commitment. After that, at the age of 22, we began foster care.

Since then, the pair has opened their house to a wide variety of kids and has offered all the care they can.

“We’ve had emergency placement, long-term placement respite, helping out other foster families,” added Emma. “Some kids, we’ve had for literally eight hours…just literally for that time, give them a place to sleep.”

The pair is aware of the sacrifices necessary. However, they stress how crucial it is to give needy children’s love and support first priority.

Emma remarked, “There’s always time to love kids.” “Just as they always require a place to sleep at the end of the day, so do you when the day is over. You always return home.” We simply believe that to be the case. At the end of the day, both you and they must return home.”
The McGraths find great satisfaction in seeing the children’s and the biological families’ resiliency, even with the emotional toll that foster care takes.

“It’s our responsibility to cheer them on, parent them when they need a parent, love on them, and just really support them as a whole family,” Emma stated. And that’s what’s sustained us throughout. If our children had been placed in foster care, we would want someone to give their all in loving them, support us, encourage us, and assist us get the resources we need to successfully reunite with our children.”

Foster care is about extending one’s heart and home to create a caring and supportive environment where children can heal, grow, and thrive. Their tale serves as a reminder of this.
There has been recognition for the McGrath’s dedication. They just received recognition for their exceptional contributions to Pulaski County foster care with an award.