Paul and Jeane Briggs, a West Virginia couple married since 1976, are parents to 37 children – five biological and 32 adopted. The couple, who range in age from 10 to 47, have not ruled out the possibility of adopting more children.
"If someone knocked on my door with a child. … I’d prefer one that’s not a baby," Jeane, 69, told PEOPLE. Paul, 71, stated that the growth of their family was "really just a series of events that continued to bring more children in."
The Briggs began their adoption journey in 1985 with their son Abraham, adopted from Mexico. He is one of 14 children living in their 5,000-square-foot home.
Managing a household of this size involves assigning daily tasks and weekly chores to the children. Older siblings assist Jeane with grocery shopping, a significant undertaking for the family. In a 2014 interview with Today, Paul revealed the family's annual grocery bill was approximately $52,000. At that time, Paul worked for a credit card processing company, and Jeane was a stay-at-home mother.
The family relies on Paul's salary and company benefits, along with government assistance for three of their children who have disabilities. Despite the logistical challenges, the family prioritizes shared activities. "When you have that many people under one roof, if they don’t have anything to do, they’re going to find something to do," Paul said.
While rules regarding cellphones and bedtime have become more flexible over the years, the family maintains a routine that includes attending church regularly.
Some of the Briggs' older children continue to live at home. Joseph, 36, adopted from Ukraine in 2005 with two siblings, credits the family's holiday meals as a reason he has not moved out. He described his adoption experience as life-changing, stating, "Coming here to a loving family, to clean clothes, a nice bed, food on the table, the house, and just everything was amazing."
Mama 43-year-old Mary Kate Johnson, one of the Briggs' daughters, has followed in her parents' footsteps, raising 14 children with her husband Keith. Four of her children were adopted from Ghana, and her family lives nearby. Johnson recalled her childhood as a positive experience, despite the adjustment of having many siblings. "It was a lot to adjust, but it was always very positive," she told PEOPLE. "So much so that I wanted to do it when I got older."
Seventeen of the Briggs children are employed at Walmart or Sam's Club. Five siblings have utilized Walmart's "Live Better U" program, receiving financial assistance for their education totaling over $50,000.