Rondelle Wilson-Drayton and her husband, Jamil Drayton, of Newport, RI, have built their family around compassion, resilience and service to children in need. Alongside their two biological children, the couple began their foster care journey in 2018 after a deep, personal family experience opened their eyes to the importance of stability and support for vulnerable children.
When a situation involving Rondelle’s nephew’s child raised the possibility of state care, the family reflected on what it means to step forward during difficult times. After thoughtful conversations together, they collectively decided that opening their home to children in need was a path they wanted to pursue as a family.
Since beginning their journey, Rondelle and Jamil have expanded their family in extraordinary ways. In addition to caring for their biological children, they now hold guardianship of a sibling group of three and are currently fostering the children’s baby brother. While the road has been rewarding, it has also required emotional growth and resilience. One of their earliest concerns centered on the possibility of becoming deeply attached to children who might eventually leave their home, and whether their family could repeatedly navigate the heartbreak of goodbyes.
Over time, however, their perspective evolved into one rooted in purpose and understanding.
The Draytons came to realize that foster care is about providing children with a safe, loving and stable environment during a temporary but pivotal season in their lives. Whether children reunify with biological family members or transition to another placement, the family embraces each child wholeheartedly while they are in their care. For Rondelle and Jamil, success is measured by whether a child leaves their home knowing they were valued, supported and deeply loved during one of the most challenging periods of their life.
For the Drayton family, one of the most meaningful aspects of foster parenting has been witnessing the remarkable transformation that can occur when children begin to feel safe. Many children entering foster care have experienced significant trauma, instability, or neglect, often arriving withdrawn and uncertain about trusting adults.
Rondelle recalls one child in particular who initially struggled to engage with the family and remained quiet and guarded. Through patience, consistency, encouragement and unconditional support, the child slowly began participating in family activities, expressing emotions more openly, and growing more confident both at home and in school.
The experience has not only impacted the children in their care but has also profoundly shaped the Drayton family itself. Foster parenting has strengthened their patience, empathy and understanding of how vital a nurturing environment can be for children navigating difficult transitions.
Throughout their years of fostering, the family has also found invaluable support through Boys Town. Rondelle shared that during especially challenging situations, including moments when a child required hospitalization or needed help managing emotional distress, their consultant remained available and supportive every step of the way. Those moments of guidance helped the family navigate crises, redirect difficult situations and continue providing stability for the children in their home.
Today, Rondelle believes becoming a foster parent has been one of the best decisions their family has ever made. She emphasizes foster parenting does not require perfection, but rather consistency, flexibility, patience and a genuine willingness to care. To her, being a foster parent means advocating for children’s emotional, educational and personal needs while creating a home where they can build trust, confidence and positive memories. Even temporary care, she says, can leave a lifelong impact on a child’s future.