Griggs Family Story

A Family Built on Love: The Griggs’ Journey Through Foster Care and Adoption

Matt and Donna Griggs never set out to become foster or adoptive parents. In fact, after caring for their nieces for nearly a decade, they didn’t even realize they were already doing a form of foster care until a conversation with a family who was certified through Pressley Ridge opened their eyes to the broader world of treatment foster care.

That conversation changed everything.

With cautious hearts, Matt and Donna enrolled in Pressley Ridge’s Treatment Foster Care Pre-Service Training. At first, they were hesitant, unsure if they were equipped to care for children who had experienced trauma. By 2021, they were licensed foster parents, ready to open their home and hearts to children in need.

Since then, the Griggs have welcomed 16 children into their home, ranging from newborns to teenagers. Many arrived with complex emotional and medical needs. All left with something more: love, stability, and the knowledge that they mattered.

“Worth Every Tear”

Donna, a teacher, began to see her students through a new lens and realized that some of her past students had been in the system. That awareness deepened her compassion and her resolve.

When asked why she fosters, knowing the heartbreak of saying goodbye, Donna doesn’t hesitate: “Just to be a part of the journey and to see the transformation of these children is worth every tear I’m going to cry.”

Together, she and Matt – “Tee-Tee” and “Matt-Matt” to the kids in their care – have created a home where every child is family. “They all eat at the same table,” Donna says. “They come in not knowing what family looks like, and we’re here to teach them.”

From Fragile to Fearless

Their first placement, two sisters, also turned out to be one of the most memorable. The younger, just starting fifth grade, had developmental delays and was suspected to be non-verbal. But with Donna’s tutoring, Matt’s encouragement, and a whole lot of love, she was reading above grade level within a year and thriving in ballet, track and rock climbing. She even earned Student of the Month. Though the sisters were eventually reunited with their biological aunt, the Griggs were proud to have been part of their journey.

Adoption and Open Hearts

Another one of their early placements was a two-month-old boy named David, who arrived severely malnourished and suffering from failure to thrive. With unwavering love and intensive therapies, the Griggs helped him blossom into a strong, spirited little boy they affectionately nicknamed “Tank.”

When the opportunity came to adopt Tank, Matt described it as “a roller coaster of emotions.” He had always dreamed of being a father, and now that dream was becoming a reality. But the Griggs never lost sight of the child’s roots. “As much as we wanted to celebrate, we also had to honor the mother’s sacrifice,” Donna said. Tank still maintains a relationship with his siblings.

Their second adoption, A.J., came with a clearer path. Born addicted to drugs and left at the hospital, A.J. was welcomed into the Griggs’ home as a newborn. His great-grandmother gave her blessing for the adoption and remains part of his life through video calls and visits. She will even be joining the Griggs family for Thanksgiving this year.

“We love the fact that the biological family is part of their story,” Donna said. “We don’t want to leave any blank space.”

A Life of Purpose

Matt and Donna never imagined life at 50 would look like four kids under the age of four, but Matt thinks it’s “pretty darn awesome.”

Their days are filled with structure, play, therapy appointments and intentional one-on-one time. They practice daily affirmations with the kids, teach hygiene and self-care and model how to give back to the community.

“They are all our children,” Matt says. “When they are here, they are loved, seen, heard and wanted.”

The Griggs credit Pressley Ridge with preparing them for the emotional complexities of foster care. “The trainings prepared us for moments when the trauma in our youths’ lives began to surface,” Donna said. “They taught us how to stay committed rather than give up, and for that, we are truly grateful.”

A Call to Share

The Griggs believe that sharing their story can inspire others to consider fostering. “We first learned about foster care through conversations with church members and friends,” Donna said. “Each new foster parent strengthens our unique community and helps transform the lives of children in need.”

Their message is simple but powerful: “Even if we didn’t have the opportunity to adopt, just being a part of these children’s lives and to be God’s hands and feet on Earth is enough.”

Adoption through foster care isn’t always easy. It’s messy, emotional and full of unknowns. But for Matt and Donna Griggs, it’s also the most fulfilling journey they’ve ever taken.

“Our hearts are filled with joy and thankfulness for the beautiful gift of becoming their forever family.”