In 2020, James Bright and his wife decided it was the right time to foster, but they couldn’t have imagined the journey ahead.
Ask Walmart associate James Bright about his family of eight — including four biological and two adopted kids — and he’ll admit that it took him a while to come around to the idea of fostering children. His wife, though, was another story.
As a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), his wife’s passion and purpose is caring for children, especially those kids who come into the world facing uphill battles.
So when James, the general manager at perishables distribution center (PDC) 3010 in Wellford, South Carolina, agreed they were in a good place to open their home to more kids, his wife was more than ready.
The oppor-two-nity of a lifetime
Their first opportunity to foster turned out to be a double feature: twin babies! Born in 2020, the boy, Holden, and girl, Ellery, had prenatal complications and spent time in neonatal intensive care.
While James’s wife was more than capable of caring for the twins’ needs, it was never easy. Over the years, she’s taken the twins to more than 400 appointments for medical care or therapy.
“It's been a journey, but it's probably the most rewarding thing we've ever done,” James shares.
When they decided to adopt the twins, their journey didn’t get any easier, with years of legal battles and expenses. Luckily, Walmart’s adoption benefit helped pave that bumpy road.
Through Walmart’s adoption reimbursement program:
- Eligible associates can get a combined lifetime maximum of up to $20,000 in financial assistance for adoption and surrogacy expenses.
- Associates may also be able to withdraw up to $5,000 from their 401(k) account without paying the 10% early withdrawal penalty.
- Associates can take parental leave after the birth, adoption or foster-care placement of a child.
One happy family
The Brights successfully adopted the twins in August of 2024. Holden and Ellery are now 4 years old, in school and thriving. Like most siblings, the two squabble, but they’re also very protective of one another. And, according to James, the twins have their own distinct tastes: Ellery likes sweets while Holden likes fruits and vegetables.
James says he appreciates that Walmart goes “above and beyond” for associates. “The benefits are great,” he says. “If folks want to adopt, Walmart will help with the money and then provide some time off to bond and get settled.”
Are you thinking about growing your family through adoption? Find out how Walmart can support you.
