The Leeke family has been fostering for years, always with the hope of reuniting children with their birth families. 

Throughout their nine year journey, Cathy and Jonathon Leeke fostered a total of 23 children, each with their own unique stories and challenges. They managed this while also raising their three biological children–Meredith, Grayson, and Eleanor. 

A Call to Fostering

Cathy is not only a foster parent herself, but she is also the South Carolina State Director for LifeLine Children’s Services. According to Jon Jamison, SCBaptist Serve Team Leader, “This organization is a ministry aimed at helping families adopt children both nationally and internationally.”

“It was encouraging to talk with Cathy and the other adoptive parents in this process and to hear about their calling to serve vulnerable children, their passion for creating a stable environment for them to grow and thrive, and their desire to demonstrate the Gospel in their adoption process and parenting,” said Jamison.

Family of Five Becomes a Family of Seven

One Friday morning in 2020, the Leekes got an unexpected call about twin boys needing an emergency foster placement. They were quick to meet the need and care for them just as they would for every other child that had come through their home. They did not yet know that these two new additions would become part of their family.

“They just never left,” said Cathy. “We hoped and prayed for such a long time, just like with all of our kids, that they would be with their birth family.”

The court ultimately decided that it would be best for the twins to be adopted permanently, which started a long and hard process to give them the best chance at a stable future. The Leekes were praying that, just like all of their other children, the twins would be able to live with their biological family, but it was not possible in this case.

“Adoption isn’t supposed to exist,” Cathy shared. “All adoption starts from loss, and so the fact that we get this amazing opportunity is only because they had to lose their first family. It’s a reminder of the deep sacrifices and challenges involved.”

Church Community Comes Together in Support

The Leekes felt that the amount of support they received from their church, East Cooper Baptist in Mount Pleasant, was incredible. Their church community, small group members, and friends came together to provide aid in the form of meals, money, respite, and, most importantly, prayers. 

The Leeke family shared many impactful experiences they had, including receiving thoughtful notes and praying with people on their porch. They emphasized how thankful they were for every ounce of support they received.

“They have prayed for us mightily,” said Cathy, “Not just a few close friends, but elders, staff, and the entire congregation. They have written notes, many of which are framed and taped to walls; tangible examples that remind us we are not alone and that the Lord is with us.”

Receiving the SCBaptist Adoption Grant

Another form of support the Leeke family received was in the form of an adoption grant from SCBaptist. Their church reached out to the Serve Team and requested the grant for the family. The Janie Chapman State Missions Offering, in partnership with the South Carolina Woman’s Missionary Union, provides $3,000 grants for each child that SCBaptist families adopt out of foster care. The grant can be used for whatever is necessary, to cover expenses like legal fees, therapy, and home improvement. 

“As a result, since 2023, six children have been adopted by SCBaptist families out of the foster system with an additional 12 children who are currently awaiting finalization of their adoption,” said Jamison. “These children now have stable environments and are surrounded by parents and families who love Jesus. It is a beautiful picture of how the church can move toward the vulnerable and tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ.”

Adoption Finalized

In July of 2024, the Leekes officially adopted the twins, Forrest and Hank. They are growing up in a Christ-loving home surrounded by their parents and siblings alongside a supportive church family in East Cooper Baptist.

“We didn’t set out to adopt,” Jonathon said. “But the bond we formed with Forrest and Hank was undeniable. They became part of our family in every way.”