Shawn and Billie Webb’s story is one of resilience, healing, and love—a journey marked by countless struggles, transformative growth, and an unbreakable bond. Together, they’ve created a family from the most challenging circumstances. Their journey through adoption wasn’t simple or easy, but it was worth every hardship.

Starting From a Place of Turmoil

Shawn, a Tribal Member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, had a difficult past. Acknowledging his struggles with addiction and violence, he admits, “I was pretty bad. I would get upset, gamble, drink, and be violent. But when I look at my kids now, I realize how much I’ve changed.”

He met Billie six years ago online, and their connection was immediate. When Billie came into Shawn’s life, his daughters Jade (9) and Emma (7) were still young and living in a difficult and unsafe environment with their biological mother. At the time, Shawn’s custody was limited to supervised visits. But Shawn was determined to turn things around. “Getting my kids back was my top priority,” he says.

Billie, who grew up with a much younger sister and often assumed a mothering role, quickly bonded with Jade and Emma. At first, she hesitated to get too close. “I didn’t want to fall in love with them and then lose them,” she admits. But when the girls arrived one day during a visit, Jade immediately ran up to Billie, chatting away like they had known each other for years. Billie’s worries faded, and from that moment, her relationship with the girls only deepened.

A Rocky Road to Custody and Adoption

The road to full custody of Jade and Emma was not without its bumps. Despite his best efforts, Shawn had to go through many legal and emotional hurdles. As the girls’ biological mother’s instability continued, it became clear that Shawn was their best hope for a safe, nurturing home.

The turning point came when Shawn and Billie picked the girls up one day, only to find them covered in filth, smelling of animal feces, and dressed in dirty clothes. “I called the social worker immediately,” Shawn recalls. “That was when things really started changing.” Despite the initial shock, Shawn continued to press for better circumstances for the girls, even as their biological mother distanced herself. Months passed where the girls didn’t see her at all, and when they did, their behavior took a turn for the worse.

Throughout it all, Billie was steadfast. She knew that, despite the difficulty, these girls needed stability. And, as their connection grew, Jade and Emma started to look to Billie as a second mother. “When I got pregnant with Storm, they asked if they could call me mom. I didn’t know what to say at first, but then I called our NHBP caseworker and she said, ‘Let the girls decide,’” Billie shares. The girls choosing to call Billie “Mom” was a huge step towards their goal of legal recognition of that deep connection.

A Strong Support System and Tribe’s Guidance

Their Tribe, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, has been there at every step of the way. Shawn expresses how he wishes he had known about the Tribe’s resources when he was younger. “The Tribe has been amazing. They helped me turn my life around. I don’t think we would have made it through without their support,” he says.

The family benefits from multiple services from the Tribe, including health care, counseling, and guidance through Shawn’s struggles with addiction. Shawn’s connection to the Tribe has also provided a newfound sense of pride and purpose, especially as he works toward giving his kids a brighter future than his own. Billie echoes his sentiment: “Whatever they go through, the Tribe will be there for them. That gives me so much peace of mind.” One of the most valuable resources has been the Maternal Child Health program, which has supported The Webb family for years. Shawn and Billie have both found help with their health goals, from tobacco cessation to weight loss, and Billie has even begun beading with the Gun Lake Tribe.

“The Tribe has not only helped us survive but thrive. I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done.”

A New Beginning

After years of working through their difficulties, in October of 2024 the girls’ biological mother gave up her parental rights, clearing the way for Billie and Shawn to officially adopt Jade and Emma. For Billie, the moment was emotional. “When I was doing her hair the day of the adoption, Emma said, ‘We get to be together forever,’ it really hit me. I told her that we are stuck with each other for life!” she laughs.

The adoption wasn’t the end of the journey—it was the beginning of their new family life together. The girls have thrived in their new home. Jade, now at an above average level in reading and math, is flourishing in school. Both girls are hitting developmental milestones they hadn’t reached before. With Shawn and Billie’s constant care, love, and involvement, the girls blossomed, revealing how much positive attention and a stable environment can change a child’s life.

Words of Wisdom

Reflecting on their experiences, Shawn has one piece of advice for others facing similar challenges: “Don’t give up, just because the road is bumpy, don’t give up.” Billie agrees, saying, “It’s hard, but it’s all worth it in the end. It brought Shawn and me closer, and we’d do it again for those girls. They’re our everything.”

Billie also shares “Some advice I would give someone going through this. Having a phenomenal support system is key. We had an amazing support system for all of the ups and downs of our journey. Between the support from the Tribe and family and friends, we always had someone to turn to. Which helps because it’s a bumpy road with many ups and downs. Always keep your eyes on the finish line. Because all the ups and downs are completely worth it in the end.”

A Family Rebuilt

Today, Shawn, Billie, and their children—Jade, Emma, Storm, and Star—are a testament to the power of healing, love, and determination. Shawn no longer considers himself the person he was before; the Tribe helped him break the cycle of violence and addiction. Billie, too, has found strength in embracing her role as a mother to not just her biological children, Storm and Star, but also to Jade and Emma.

Their family’s story is a powerful reminder that while the path to adoption is rarely easy, the reward is immeasurable. Together, they’ve found their forever home—where the girls are safe, loved, and supported by a community that has never stopped believing in them.

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