Adopted as an infant, ever since Collin College associate faculty member Cindy Briggs was old enough to understand the process, she has always wanted to make a difference in this capacity.
Her life came full circle a few years ago when she and her husband, Scott, decided to adopt because they were having a hard time conceiving a child.
After looking at many traditional adoption routes, the couple decided to participate in the foster-to-adopt program, “because so many children were in need,” Briggs declared. In 2011, Cindy and Scott received their first adoption placement – two girls, Jordan, 3, and Reagan, 2.
“We immediately fell in love and knew we wanted to have these children forever,” Cindy said. “After 15 long months, the adoption is finalized. Our girls are the absolute love of our lives.”
NO EASY JOURNEY
Prior to the Briggs’ joy, Cindy acknowledges there were some challenges they had to overcome. “I would like to say this process has been a very easy one but that would not be honest,” she said. “We have had to learn patience and perseverance in this journey.”
Through it all, however, Cindy and Scott, a Collin College Continuing Education healthcare instructor, remain extremely passionate about educating people on adoption – through the foster system and traditional routes.
According to Cindy, providing adopted children a permanent, stable home is absolutely the best thing to do. As such, it is the pair’s mission to ensure that families understand and know how to navigate through the adoption system.
ANGELS IN ADOPTION™
The Briggs’ hard work and dedication in this regard is also why they were selected as Angeles in Adoption™ by Congressman Sam Johnson.
Angels in Adoption™ is a program that provides members of Congress the opportunity to honor people and organizations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico that make extraordinary contributions on behalf of children in need of homes. Congressman Johnson officially honored Cindy and Scott for their adoption contributions by presenting them an award on Sept. 23.
“This award is a big honor to us. When we were first contacted by the congressman’s staff, we were a bit shocked,” Cindy explained, noting she and her husband could not attend the Angels in Adoption™ Gala on Sept. 12 in Washington, D.C to receive their award. “Through this entire process, the one thing we have realized is that we now want to be true advocates in the area of foster-to-adopt [through CPS]. There are many parts of the system that need people to fight for changes. Receiving this award gives us a chance, at a minimum, to reach the right people who can help make these changes.”
Meanwhile, Cindy and Scott continue to look at different options on advocacy and also on starting a program to assist foster families.
As for the baby Cindy and Scott had a hard time conceiving … well, “I am expecting a baby boy in January,” an excited Cindy said. “We have been saying he is our happy adoption surprise.”