The Simpson Family
Care from the Start
Jessica and Joe Simpson are 
baby people.
“Sometimes when we’re in a 
restaurant and hear a baby crying  
we’re like, ‘That baby’s 
overstimulated and probably needs 
to eat or sleep.’ We’re always problem 
solving…because we understand  
how babies communicate.”
For more than 18 years, the 
Simpsons have welcomed dozens 
of babies into their home and 
family, offering steady, loving care 
as one of Barker’s Cradle Care 
families. This program gives birth 
parents the reassurance that 
their baby is safe and loved, while 
they take the time they need to 
think through their adoption plan  
— without pressure or judgment, 
whether they decide to parent 
themselves or to choose a family 
to adopt their child.  
As Cradle Care parents, the 
Simpsons’ role includes being 
open to receiving a call to care for 
a child at any time, day or night,  
and being present for the hospital 
discharge. During the legally 
required revocation period 
following an adoption plan, a baby 
needs someone to hold them, 
comfort them, and make them 
feel safe — before they can go  
 
home with their birth or adoptive 
family. 
Cradle Care parents do far more 
than meet basic needs. They 
document each day with photos 
and journal entries to capture 
early memories. They participate 
in visits with the birth parents 
and adoptive parents, easing the 
emotional weight for everyone 
involved. And through it all, they 
shower each baby with the 
affection and stability every child 
deserves.
It’s a rare kind of generosity: 
opening your home to fully love 
a child, then releasing them with 
grace when the time comes for 
that child to go home.
The Simpsons have always felt 
called to give back.
“For us it’s a kind of labor of love…a 
calling or a desire to just be helpful.” 
“We’re not rich people...We can’t start 
a foundation. But we can give our 
time, and we can give our love, and it 
never runs out.”
On 60+ occasions, the Simpsons 
have stepped up as Cradle Care 
hosts.
“Our time with a baby can be as brief 
as an afternoon or a single day, or it 
can last for weeks — however long 
COMMUNITY         CARE    	
CONNECTION
is needed. We simply embrace that 
uncertainty and remain ready to love 
and care for each baby for whatever 
time we are given.”
Ultimately, it’s about the child.
“A little human needs love to thrive. So 
we love unconditionally.”
Jessica’s take on how Cradle Care —
and Barker — are THE DIFFERENCE.
“If Cradle Care were not part of the 
Barker experience, I think the entire 
adoption process would feel much more 
rushed and frantic than it needs to be. 
Cradle Care creates a sense of peace 
by giving everyone involved the time 
and space to make thoughtful decisions 
without unnecessary pressure.”
“Barker has taught me so much about 
the adoption constellation and how 
every part of it matters. It’s never just 
about matching a baby with a family — 
I try to bring real empathy to the  
birth family’s experience, and Barker  
has shown me what it means to truly 
honor that.”
08
THE BARKER ADOPTION FOUNDATION 2025 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT
Jessica 
Simpson and 
Family— 
Barker Cradle 
Care hosts 
since 2009

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