By Shannon McCuaig
Johnson and Katie Ward do not have a story of dramatic transformation; theirs is a story of humility, tenacity and generosity.
Early in their dating relationship, Johnson and Katie discovered they shared a call to love and protect young children through foster care. Initially, they expected to begin fostering once their own children were older.
When their biological daughter, Reagan, was a year old, Johnson sensed God was prompting a change.
“This is more of a now thing rather than waiting until our kids are older,” he said.
Soon after, Katie felt a similar calling, and together they began the process of becoming certified foster parents.
The Wards first learned about the MCH Family Outreach office in Tyler through friends of friends. After initial conversations with MCH staff, they felt confident the organization aligned well with their hopes and dreams for the foster care journey.
Their first placement came just days after receiving their foster care license — an 8-day-old baby girl they brought home from the hospital. Unfortunately, the placement lasted only 10 days. A difficult and unforeseeable challenge required the baby to transition to a different foster home.
“I can’t overstate how difficult this time was for us,” Katie said. “It was all so confusing, but MCH was truly very good to us and supported us the whole time.”
Eventually, Johnson and Katie received another call, this time to foster an 8-day-old baby boy named Brantley. Later, they welcomed his younger brother, Bryson. This time, the story had a joyful ending: both boys’ adoptions were finalized in January 2025.
Now 3 and 2, Brantley and Bryson are thriving alongside their 5-year-old sister, Reagan.
“They’re a great family, and very easy to work with,” said Jazmin Alfaro, one of the MCH case managers in Tyler who has worked closely with the Ward family.
Alfaro was especially moved by the Wards’ love for the children in their care and their deep compassion for the children’s biological families.
During a foster care training, Katie’s heart was stirred to consider the experiences of biological families.
“It’s easier for everyone to see an innocent child and want to help them,” she explained. “But for a child to be placed in foster care, their biological family has to be experiencing brokenness and I want to try to be a light to them if at all possible.”
Katie continues to send photos and updates to Brantley and Bryson’s biological mother. She’s hopeful that one day they may all share a more connected and meaningful relationship.
Johnson and Katie remain convinced God has called them to love children through foster care, and plan to continue that journey in the future.
“We’re open to whatever God brings,” Katie said.
Even when caring for a child for just a few days or weeks, they see their role as a bridge to each child’s long-term stability and success.
For now, the Ward family is settling into life as a family of five, enjoying their splash pad and learning to play baseball and soccer together, and looking forward to what comes next.
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