In their three years as residents of Traditions of Braselton, the Kents—Ryan, Christina, Hayden (14), Jaxon (11), and Ellie (5)—have grown to be a beloved part of the neighborhood. With four spirited dogs—Bailey, Penny, Gizmo, and Toby—and a gentle bearded dragon named Marshmallow, the Kents are known for their love of animals and outdoor adventures. Originally from Miami and Gwinnett County respectively, Ryan and Christina first connected at Duluth High School and have been together ever since, supporting one another through Ryan’s pro tennis career and their family’s remarkable journey, including the adoption of their daughter Ellie.

Christina has always had a deep connection to adoption, as she herself was adopted. Seven years ago, she and Ryan decided it was time to grow their family and started exploring adoption for a third child. With two young sons, they hoped to adopt a child between the ages of one and eight. However, they quickly realized that the waitlist for this age range in Georgia was exceptionally long. Some friends who were foster parents suggested foster care as an alternative, and the Kents decided to explore it. After six months of training, they were licensed and prepared to foster children from newborns to five-year-olds.

In 2019, after having welcomed 15 foster children into their home and provided respite care to other foster families, Christina received an unexpected call while shopping at Costco. A two-day-old baby girl needed a foster family. Without a second thought, Christina said yes, and Ryan jumped on board right away too! That very day, they rushed to the hospital to meet Ellie for the first time. Holding her in their arms, they knew she belonged with them. Ellie became a beloved part of their family as a foster child, and they couldn’t imagine life without her.

As Ellie’s foster placement continued, the Kents continued to support Ellie’s case plan. After 1005 days, in foster care, the judge ruled that Ellie could forever become a Kent. Finally, on November 20, 2021—National Adoption Day—their dreams came true. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the adoption had to take place virtually, but the Kents wanted to make the occasion as special as possible. They rented out the clubhouse in Traditions of Braselton, inviting family, friends, and neighbors to witness the adoption via a big-screen livestream. Surrounded by 80 to 100 loved ones, including around 60 neighbors who had become close friends through tennis and other community activities, they watched as the judge made Ellie a Kent officially. This “Family Forever Day” was not only a celebration of Ellie’s adoption but also a beautiful testament to the community that had supported them through their journey.

For the Kents, Ellie’s adoption was a life-changing experience, and they wanted to give back. Inspired by their sons’ wish to make Ellie their sister and give her a forever home, they launched Ellie’s Christmas Wish, a holiday initiative to provide gifts for children in foster care. Neighbors, friends, and family joined in, with hundreds of Amazon packages arriving at their doorstep, allowing them to deliver Christmas cheer to around 100 foster children across Jackson County and the surrounding areas. In its second year, Ellie’s Christmas Wish expanded to support children at Gum Springs Elementary and West Jackson Middle School, two schools the Kent children attend. The Kents are hopeful that with the community’s continued support, they’ll be able to bring Ellie’s Christmas Wish to life once more this year.

Every November 20, the Kents celebrate “Family Forever Day” by spending time together doing their favorite activities—visiting the kids’ favorite restaurants, playing games, or heading outdoors for a family adventure. This special day allows them to reflect on their unique journey and the joy of being together as a family.

November is National Adoption & Foster Care Month. Nearly 1,100 kids are in foster care in region 5 and approximately 7,770 in the state of Georgia. The Kent’s encourage other families who are interested in becoming involved in foster care or adoption to teach out to local agency to learn more. There are many opportunities including foster care, respite, becoming a CASA, a volunteer organization that advocates for children in the foster care system. 

If you would like to learn more about the Kent’s story, Christina welcomes you to reach out to her at 404-824-8502.