Actress, humanitarian, and outspoken advocate Jen Lilley is once again using her platform to shine a light on the importance of adoption and foster care, sharing deeply personal reflections during National Adoption Month. Known for her roles in family-friendly films and her long-standing commitment to child welfare, Lilley continues to emphasize that caring for vulnerable children is not only a social responsibility but, for her, an act of faith.
Speaking with WBRC News, Lilley reflected on how her Christian convictions shaped her heart for adoption. "I believe that Jesus is my standard," she said. "I should be living more like Jesus. And Jesus actually always ran toward brokenness. He was like the Good Samaritan. He crossed the road. And Jesus loves to heal broken things. And so my husband and I wanted to get involved in foster care."
For Lilley, the journey is both deeply personal and profoundly spiritual. She and her husband have welcomed multiple children into their home, including through adoption, and she has often described the experience as one of the greatest blessings of her life. Her passion extends beyond her own household-she regularly partners with organizations that support families, trains other foster parents, and uses her public platform to advocate for systemic improvements within child welfare.
Lilley's advocacy comes at a critical moment. The National Council for Adoption reported that last year alone, 328,947 children entered the foster care system. For many, the traumatic upheaval of leaving their homes is compounded by the scarcity of stable, long-term placements. Lilley hopes her voice encourages more families to prayerfully consider how they might serve children in need-whether through fostering, adopting, mentoring, or offering respite care.
She frequently emphasizes that involvement does not require perfection, only willingness. "Brokenness does not scare Jesus," she has said in past interviews. "And it shouldn't scare us. When you step into foster care or adoption, you get to be part of God's healing work in a child's life."
Movieguide readers will recognize Lilley's longstanding commitment to these issues. Over the years, she has spoken at conferences, partnered with adoption agencies, and raised substantial funds for children awaiting homes. Her message remains consistent: every child deserves a safe, loving environment, and the Christian community has a vital role to play.
As National Adoption Month encourages reflection and action, Lilley's testimony serves as both inspiration and a challenge-a reminder that compassionate involvement can transform not only a child's future but also the heart of every family willing to say yes.
