From a young age, Jillian Sawyer knew she was meant to adopt. She always felt that she could love a child who wasn’t biologically hers. Together with her husband, Michael, they pursued domestic adoption with their first child. That step led them to building a family beyond anything they’d imagined. The Sawyers have adopted seven children through Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS). Yes, seven!
The first adoption of a baby boy filled their home and hearts with joy. But Jillian and Michael knew their family wasn’t complete. They didn’t want their son to grow up as an only child, and they were already licensed as foster parents through the adoption process. They felt called to continue opening their home to children in need by fostering, knowing there were so many who deserved to be loved.
When their son was just 20 months old, they received a call that would change their lives: newborn boy and girl twins needed a foster home. Without hesitation, the Sawyers welcomed the twins with open arms. Then, another call came a few years later for a sweet baby girl. The Sawyers knew what they had to do—she became their daughter soon after.
A young toddler boy joined the family next, bringing his own unique joy. Then the Sawyers fostered three more children who were eventually reunited with their birth families. “We always advocate for reunification when possible,” Jillian explains. “God intends for families to be together, and when it’s safe, it should happen.” But when that’s not possible, the Sawyers are there, ready to say “yes” to any child who needs them.
Every time a call comes in, Jillian and Michael sit their children down and ask first, “Do we say yes?” And every time, the kids respond with a resounding “yes.” That same family-first spirit led to their next adoption. They received a call about a brother of their last adopted child, and the answer was clear. Another year later, another call came for yet another brother of the youngest two boys. How could they say no? Their final adoption was especially meaningful because the whole Sawyer family was present to witness it.
After 14 incredible years, the Sawyers made the decision to close their foster care license—not because they didn’t have more love to give, but because their home was wonderfully full. These days, the family of nine gets around in their 12-passenger van, makes frequent trips to warehouse club stores, and embraces the beautiful chaos of their busy lives.
Jillian hopes her story will inspire others to consider fostering or adopting … especially those who’ve felt that tug at their heart. “The most rewarding part of parenting,” she says, “is seeing our kids be compassionate to others.” Jillian and Michael often remind their children to be kind, but watching them show kindness in real life—especially to other children from tough backgrounds—is truly incredible.
Jillian knows all about love and resilience. She has shown both through every adoption and every challenge. But the hardest part hasn’t been the trauma the children experienced; it’s been navigating the system itself. Jillian has been to court over 100 times for her seven children. Through it all, she remains grateful for the amazing staff at LCFS who’ve supported her family every step of the way. Consistent caseworkers have been there for her children, providing stability and guidance when it was needed most.
It’s often the little things that leave the biggest mark. LCFS picnics, Christmas parties, and other special events have created core memories for the Sawyer children, making them feel part of a larger community. Jillian often hears foster parents called heroes, but she insists, “Without supporters like you, none of this would be possible. It’s a true team effort.”
The Sawyers’ story serves as a powerful reminder that every child deserves to be loved, and every family needs support to make that possible. As Jillian puts it, “You’re the blessing for children you may never meet. Your support is like a caring family member who steps in when things get hard, helping us when we need it most.”
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