Peggy Kirby describes herself as a nurse by trade and a foster parent by choice. Having a deep love for children, she knew she wanted to get involved in a meaningful way with caring for children in crisis.

So Peggy and her husband Wayne opened their home as foster parents. Over the next 30 years, they cared for more than 100 teenage girls, with a lifelong commitment that runs deep. Peggy developed a scholarship program for foster children and helped shepherd the foster care bill of rights in 2006. She even added an extra bedroom to their home for girls who are transitioning from the foster system into independence.

Peggy is currently the executive director of the Louisiana Foster & Adoptive Parent Association, where she works diligently to improve the foster care system for the benefit of children and parents in the Monroe area. Peggy also serves on many local and statewide committees representing foster and adoptive parents, and she works with the Department of Children and Family Services, leading pre-service training for new foster families.

In early 2017, Wayne passed away after four years of illness. Peggy and Wayne never closed their home to children, even while he was sick. They continued to provide foster care to demonstrate that, although they might go through hard times, families of all kinds stick together.

VISIT THE LOUISIANA FOSTER & ADOPTIVE PARENT ASSOCIATION ONLINE