The 2006 Congressional Angels in ™ Gala Program Musical Performance Darryl DMC McDaniels Hip Hop Legend

Welcome Bob Madigan, WTOP Radioʼs Man About Town Master of Ceremonies

Invocation Dr. Barry C. Black Chaplain, U.S. Senate

1st Course Served

Remarks from CCAI Board President The Honorable Jim Oberstar, U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Director, CCAI

Message from our Premier & Founding Sponsor Maxine B. Baker President and CEO, Freddie Mac Foundation

Remarks from our Event Chairs The Honorable Roy Blunt, U.S. House of Representatives and Mrs. Abigail Blunt

Main Course Served

Musical Performance Mark Schultz Platinum and Dove Award-Winning Artist

Message from CCAI Executive Director Deanna Carlson Stacy

Dessert Served

Recognition of 2006 Angels in Adoption™ The Honorable Ginny Brown-Waite, U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Director, CCAI

Daunte Culpepper Miami Dolphins Quarterback

The Honorable Mary Landrieu, U.S. Senate Congressional Director, CCAI

Invisible Children Documentary and Grassroots Movement

The Honorable Larry Craig, U.S. Senate Congressional Director, CCAI

Darryl DMC McDaniels Hip Hop Legend of RUN DMC CCAI Would Like to Thank Thank You

Premier and Founding Sponsor to the following for providing in-kind gifts and donating their valuable time and services

ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition AdoptUsKids and the Advertising Council, Inc. Air Tran Airlines Gold Sponsors America World Adoption Association Chevron Barbara Walzer and Harmonious Endeavors Fluor Corporation Capitol Services, Inc. Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation Continental Airlines Target Courteney Holden Washington Group International CVS/pharmacy Silver Sponsors Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Altria Group, Incorporated DEMDACO Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation Dorie Thompson Diageo DTE Dow Chemical Company Enchanted Strings Ensemble Duke Energy Family Christian Stores Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Freddie Mac Foundation Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. Mortgage Insurance Companies of America Freddie Mac Foundation Heart Gallery Southern Company George and Brenda Ball Sun Microsystems Jars of Clay and Blood:Water Mission Wendy’s International Foundation Jodi Walsh John and Carol Ann Tesoriero Bronze Sponsors Microsoft Corporation American Academy of Adoption Attorneys Mignon Faget Citigroup CVS/pharmacy Mr. Joe Vasapoli and Ms. Bronwyn Morgan Entergy Corporation Mr. and Mrs. Paul Shaffer National Association of Realtors National Adoption Day Coalition National Cable and Telecommunications Association Rhythmaya Dance Company Pinnacle West Capital Corporation Sesame Workshop Simplot Steven Curtis Chapman and Shoahannah’s Hope US Airways Target Van Scoyoc Associates The Kinship Center Volkswagen of America, Inc. The Robert Brown Gallery Non-Profi t Sponsors US Airways Adoption Exchange Association/AdoptUSKids Victoria Rowell and The Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan America World Adoption Association Wendy’s International, Inc. Bethany Christian Services National Council for Adoption Qwest 2 3 Message from our Director Core CCAI Programs

Tonight we celebrate you, our 2006 Angels in Adoption™. Most of you have The Angels in Adoption™ program, CCAI’s signature public awareness program, provides made deep personal sacrifi ces to change a child’s life forever through adop- an opportunity for all Members of Congress to honor the extraordinary work of their constituents tion. And this commitment has taken you on a tremendous journey you never who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans worldwide. CCAI created the Angels could have imagined. You are making a difference for children and for our in Adoption™ Program in 1999 as a Congressional press conference to honor outstanding people nation. Today’s orphans, whether they are within our shores or overseas, are and organizations in the fi eld of adoption and . The program has since developed dependent on our combined compassion. With over 100,000 children in into a yearlong public awareness campaign that culminates with Angels being invited to attend a foster care waiting to be adopted and over a hundred million children around Washington, D.C. awards ceremony, press conference, and evening gala given in their honor. In the world without a permanent family, we know the need is great. But each additional to the Angels selected from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, National Angels one of you has demonstrated tonight that together you, our Institute, Members are recognized for their adoption and foster care advocacy on a global scale. Former National of Congress, and generous supporters can make a difference. Angels include notables such as First Lady Laura Bush, Muhammad Ali, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jane Seymour, the late Dave Thomas of Wendy’s, and Bruce Willis. Since 2002, Congressional The work we are committed to is challenging as we fi ght to improve adoption policy and practice participation has grown from 133 Members to 193 Members yearly, and over 900 Angels have within the U.S. and worldwide. But, as we look into the eyes of a child, we remember that it is all been recognized. worth it. Tens of thousands of children now have a permanent, loving family because of this com- bined compassion. As the Book of Job says, ‘You are a father to the poor and you have searched The Congressional Resource Program is CCAI’s primary program to educate the 196 Mem- out the cause of Him you did not know” (29:16). Thank you for making a difference in these little bers of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, Congress’ Adoption Caucus, around removing lives FOREVER. barriers for orphans worldwide and children in the U.S. foster care system who are eligible for adoption. Through strategic briefi ngs, roundtables, and weekly communications, CCAI exists to Deanna Carlson Stacy serve the Members of Congress as they seek to draft positive child welfare legislation and meet Executive Director, CCAI their constituents’ needs. CRP success includes a 2006 Congressional Roundtable bringing 8 Members of Congress together to discuss court reform and a 2006 bipartisan Foster Care Reform Briefi ng. History of the Congressional Coalition The CCAI Congressional Delegations exist to increase positive dialogue and impact change for orphans and foster children among foreign and domestic government offi cials and U.S. Mem- bers of Congress. In the past four years, CCAI has organized Congressional delegation trips to on Adoption Institute China, Romania, Russia, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Uganda, and India, and has hosted leaders from around the globe in our nation’s capitol. The lessons learned through these cross- The Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) was created in 1985 as a bicameral, bipartisan cultural interactions have educated and challenged even the most learned of CCA’s Congressional caucus of members of Congress dedicated to improving adoption policy and practice, and to focus- Members. CCAI’s fi rst domestic delegation is planned for November 2006. ing public attention on the advantages of adoption. In 2001, the CCA’s active co-chairs created the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) to more effectively raise Congressional The Congressional Foster Youth Internship (FYI) Program provides talented college stu- and public awareness about the issue of adoption. Senator Larry Craig, Senator Mary Landrieu, dents who have spent their teenage years in foster care with an opportunity to intern for a Member Representative Jim Oberstar, and Representative Ginny Brown-Waite currently serve as both the co- of Congress. These young adults bring their unique perspectives and resilient spirits to serve the chairs of the CCA and the Congressional directors of CCAI. U.S. Congress while also being educated on the internal workings of Washington, D.C. and Con- gress. Since the program’s inception in 2002, 50 Members of Congress have participated and To that end, CCAI serves as an informational and educational resource to policymakers as they the program has received widespread accolades from both Congressional offi ces and the national seek to draft positive adoption, foster care and other adoption-related legislation and to meet their adoption community. constituents’ needs. By organizing congressional briefi ngs, leadership training programs and educational trips, CCAI educates members of Congress and their staff about current domestic and National Adoption Day (NAD) is a day in November where thousands of children in the U.S. -related matters. foster care system are adopted. CCAI is proud to be a founding partner of this program which is organized by seven national organizations. The NAD Coalition engages local communities to In addition, CCAI hosts several public awareness events each year to give an opportunity to all organize events in every state on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to fi nalize pending members of the United States Congress and other public leaders to use their powerful voices to im- out of foster care and celebrate all adoptive families. CCAI has secured Presidential proclama- prove the lives of our most vulnerable children, and to recognize outstanding individuals who have tions and Congressional participation every year since 2002. In 2005, over 3,300 adoptions out done the same. of foster care were fi nalized on November 19, 2005. This year National Adoption Day will be celebrated on Saturday, November 18.

4 5 Director of Administration and Human Resources in the Dallas and Atlanta offi ces; the fi rst Direc- Board of Directors, CCAI tor of the company’s diversity offi ce; leading the planning, budgeting and control functions during constriction of the corporate headquarters; and her current position at the Freddie Mac Foundation Senator Larry E. Craig directing the giving programs. Prior to joining Freddie Mac, Ms. Clarke was at a local consulting Idaho, Republican fi rm, HCR, that concentrated in managing health and job training programs for hard to employ Senator Larry Craig became an adoption advocate as well as a father when he adopted his wife young adults. She launched her career of service as the on-site director and teacher at one of the Suzanne’s children by a previous marriage. He has had a hand in nearly every adoption-related satellite schools of the Bundy Crisis Intervention Center, a local facility for emotionally and behav- initiative that has moved in the U.S. Senate in more than a decade, including serving as the princi- iorally troubled boys in Washington, D.C. pal sponsor of the and a leader in foster care reform. As a member of the Sen- ate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, he helps Valdur Koha to oversee child welfare funding and program issues. Philanthropist Valdur Koha and his wife, Irene, are the proud parents of fi ve sons: David, Tobias, Michael, Senator Mary L. Landrieu Christian and Benjamin. They adopted their daughter, Nicoleta, from Romania. Valdur is a philan- Louisana, Democrat thropist from Lexington, Massachusetts and supports many charities from around the world. Valdur Senator Landrieu is an adoptive parent to two children, Connor and Mary Shannon. Her husband, founded an internet software company that is now Openwave. He retired a few years ago to Frank, is an adoptee himself. Senator Landrieu has been a leader in the passage of the Adoption devote himself to his family, his charities and his church. and Safe Families Act, the Hope for Children Act (Adoption Tax Credit), the Strengthening the Abuse and Neglect Courts Act, the Intercountry Adoption Act, the D.C. Family Courts Act, and the Child Citizenship Act. She is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Terry Scully President, Target Financial Services Health and Human Services, and Education and the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations. As President of Target Financial Services, Terry Scully is responsible for the management of guest payment transactions for Target. Terry has over 25 years of experience in retail and fi nancial Representative Ginny Browne-Waite services with Target. He is active in the community and serves as a board member of the Great Florida, Republican Twin Cities United Way, and the board of Fraser, a local nonprofi t organization that provides direct In her second term as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Representative Ginny Brown- services, information and support for people with special needs. Terry resides in Stillwater, Minne- Waite has built a reputation as a strong and tenacious leader with the ability and authority to get sota with his wife, Beverly, and their fi ve children. things done on behalf of her Florida constituents. An active member of the Financial Services, Homeland Security and Veterans’ Affairs Committees in the 109th Congress, Ginny’s work on these panels is a testament to her drive, tenacity and dedication to the people of the 5th District. She is a Paul Singer Senior Vice President and Chief Information Offi cer, SUPERVALU, Inc. mother to three adult daughters and a grandmother of three grandsons and one granddaughter. Singer joins SUPERVALU with 27 years of retail experience in IT, merchandising, and inventory and supply chain management. He served as Target Corporation’s Chief Information Offi cer from 2000 As the new House Republican Co-Chair of CCA, Ginny brings her personal experience to the to 2005 and was a member of its Executive Committee. While at Target, Singer spearheaded coalition as an adoptive mother of an older special needs child. Her husband, Harvey, is a retired the Target Adoption Network, an internal organization which facilitates Target’s involvement in New York State trooper and together he and Ginny own an MG and are members of the Nature the issue of adoption. He and his wife, Teri, reside in Eden Prairie, MN, and have two biological Coast British Car Club. They reside in Brooksville with their Bentley - but don’t be impressed; daughters and three adopted daughters from Russia. Bentley is their dog! Rita Soronen Representative James L. Oberstar Executive Director, The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Minnesota, Democrat The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is dedicated to elevating the awareness of foster care As an adoptive parent and advocate, Representative Jim Oberstar has been a longstanding leader adoption in the United States and Canada, while providing critical resources to organizations who in adoption. As one of the founding Co-Chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, Rep- refl ect the Foundation’s mission of dramatically increasing the adoptions of children from North resentative Oberstar has championed numerous adoption initiatives including the expansion of the America’s foster care systems. In her role as Executive Director, and committed to the core beliefs adoption tax credit and leave equity for adoptive parents. Representative Oberstar is the Ranking that 1) every child deserves to grow and thrive in a safe and permanent home, 2) no child should Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. linger in foster care or leave the system at age 18 without a family, and 3) no child is unadoptable, Rita Soronen works to ensure Dave Thomas’ legacy of making foster care adoption streamlined, Cheryl Clarke affordable and accessible to any family wanting to adopt. With more than 30 years working on Director of Foundation Giving, Freddie Mac Foundation behalf of vulnerable and at-risk children, Ms. Soronen is a requested national speaker, serves on As the Director of Giving, Ms. Clarke invests $30 million in programs, services and initiatives that multiple boards and committees, and partners with national organizations, corporations and the improve the lives of children and their families in four investment priority areas. This includes stabi- Wendy’s system in order to infl uence attitudes and make children a national priority across all lizing families towards independence and self-suffi ciency, prevention of and neglect, political, economic, cultural and business entities. fi nding permanent homes for children in foster care and developing youth into productive adults. A long-time employee of Freddie Mac, Ms. Clarke has held numerous management positions as the

6 7 Deanna Carlson Stacy CCAI Executive Director 2006 Angels in Adoption™ Steering Committee Stacy started her work with orphans at the age of twelve by making monthly service trips with her Sen. Evan Bayh (IN) Rep. William Delahunt (MA) church to an in Mexico. She has worked with children in the U.S. foster care system Sen. Barbara Boxer (CA) Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX) and visited and worked with orphans and street children in Asia, Mexico, South America, and Sen. Sam Brownback (KS) Rep. David Dreier (CA) Eastern Europe. She is the author of The Welfare of My Neighbor: Living Out Christ’s Love for Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY) Rep. Vernon Ehlers (MI) the Poor (Family Research Council, 1999) and Intercountry Adoption: An Exploratory Study of Sen. Thad Cochran (MS) Rep. Jo Ann H. Emerson (MO) Adoptive Parents (unpublished thesis, 1995). Prior to CCAI, Stacy served at the U.S. Department Sen. Norm Coleman (MN) Rep. Elton Gallegly (CA) of Health and Human Services as Associate Director of the Offi ce of Faith-Based and Community Sen. Susan M. Collins (ME) Rep. Phil Gingrey (GA) Initiatives (FBCI) and the FBCI liaison to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Stacy Sen. Larry E. Craig (ID) Rep. Virgil H. Goode, Jr. (VA) also served as a member of the FBCI working group at USAID to accomplish its goals for the Sen. Jim DeMint (SC) Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA) President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), including work with Orphan and Vulner- Sen. Mike DeWine (OH) Rep. Bart Gordon (TN) able Children. Stacy, who holds a Masters of Social Work, recently served as a CASA volunteer in Sen. Richard J. Durbin (IL) Rep. Kay Granger (TX) Alexandria, VA. She and her husband Anthony are expecting their fi rst child this October. Sen. John Ensign (NV) Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (IL) Sen. Michael B. Enzi (WY) Rep. Melissa A. Hart (PA) Sen. Chuck E. Grassley (IA) Rep. Peter Hoekstra (MI) Sen. Tom Harkin (IA) Rep. Darlene Hooley (OR) Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) Rep. Henry J. Hyde (IL) Sen. James M. Inhofe (OK) Rep. Jay Inslee (WA) Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (HI) Rep. William J. Jefferson (LA) Sen. John F. Kerry (MA) Rep. Sue W. Kelly (NY) Sen. Herbert H. Kohl (WI) Rep. Peter King (NY) Sen. Mary L. Landrieu (LA) Rep. Steve King (IA) Sen. Carl Levin (MI) Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL) Sen. Blanche L. Lincoln (AR) Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ) Sen. Richard G. Lugar (IN) Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA) Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK) Rep. Doris Matsui (CA) Sen. Patty Murray (WA) Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) Sen. Ben Nelson (NE) Rep. James L. Oberstar (MN) Sen. Rick Santorum (PA) Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ) Sen. Jeff Sessions (AL) Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Fl) Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (ME) Rep. Martin Olav Sabo (MN) Sen. Arlen Specter (PA) Rep. Jim Saxton (NJ) Sen. Debbie A. Stabenow (MI) Rep. Adam Schiff (CA) Sen. John W. Warner (VA) Rep. Pete Sessions (TX) Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) Rep. Brad Sherman (CA) Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI) Rep. Ted Strickland (OH) Rep. Judy Biggert (IL) Rep. Lee Terry (NE) Rep. Michael Bilirakis (FL) Rep. William Thornberry (TX) Rep. Rob Bishop (UT) Rep. Todd Tiahrt (KS) Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR) Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Jr. (MD) Rep. John Boozman (AR) Rep. Greg Walden (OR) Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (FL) Rep. Diane Watson (CA) Rep. Eric I. Cantor (VA) Rep. Henry A. Waxman (CA) Rep. John R. Carter (TX) Rep. Curt Weldon (PA) Rep. Jim Davis (FL) Rep. Heather A. Wilson (NM) Rep. Jo Ann S. Davis (VA) Rep. Frank R. Wolf (VA) Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (OR) Rep. David Wu (OR) Joined by Representative Jim Oberstar, CCAI’s 2006 Board President, the Congressional Foster Special thanks to Joe Vasapoli, Kathleen Strottman, Karen Schecter, and Cathy Deeds Youth Internship Class of 2006 gathers on the steps of U.S. Capitol before the annual Farewell for their added steering committee efforts. Reception. Special thanks to the nearly 200 Members of Congress who constitute the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Coalition on Adoption. It is through your leadership and support that CCAI is able to make a difference in the lives of orphans and foster children. 8 9 “I wanted to work with foster and adopted kids,” Daunte said. “I was blessed to be adopted when 2006 National Angels in Adoption™ Awardees I was 1 day old. It’s not always that way for all kids, especially the older kids.” Daunte was the spokesperson for the African American Adoption Agency during his time in Minnesota and contin- Daunte Culpepper ues as a role model to the families and children they serve. Now that he has joined the Dolphins, Daunte hopes to bring that same message to the South Florida community. Daunte Culpepper is both an adoptee and an adoptive parent. He is person- “I’m very lucky to have been adopted,” Daunte said. “Whenever I can, I let people know about ally committed to fi nding permanent homes for foster children of color and has adoption.” worked to dispel pervasive misconceptions about adopting African American boys by speaking openly about his experience as an adopted child.

Professionally, Daunte joined the Miami Dolphins in 2006 after an outstand- Invisible Children ing career with the Minnesota Vikings. During his tenure with the Vikings, he became one of the highest ranked passers in NFL history, was selected to three Can a story change the world? In the spring of 2003, three young Americans Pro Bowls, and led the team to an NFC Championship Game appearance. He – Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, and Laren Poole – traveled to Africa in search is looking to continue that success with the Dolphins and already has earned of such a story. What started out as a fi lmmaking adventure in Africa trans- a leadership position with the team with his work ethic, pride, and enthusiasm both on and off the formed into much more, when these three boys from Southern California found fi eld. themselves stranded in Northern Uganda. What they found was a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them – a story where children are the weapons and the Culpepper credits much of his success to his adopted mother, Emma Culpepper, who adopted him victims. They discovered children being abducted from their homes and forced when he was one day old and raised him as the last of her 15 foster children. He was born in to fi ght as child soldiers. prison on January 28, 1977 to a teenage mother who was serving time for armed robbery. It wasn’t an easy decision for Emma, then 62 years old and single, to take in Daunte. But Daunte’s The “Invisible Children: Rough Cut” fi lm exposes the effects of a 20-year-long war on the children of biological mother wouldn’t stop begging Emma to take her baby until Emma agreed. His biological Northern Uganda. They originally screened the fi lm in June 2004 for friends and family and soon mother didn’t want her child raised in the foster care system. Emma, who worked at the correc- expanded to high schools, colleges and religious institutions. From suburban living rooms to Capitol tional facility, seemed like the perfect person to raise the child. So after his birth on Jan. 28, 1977, Hill, with coverage on Oprah, CNN, the National Geographic Channel, and more, this fi lm has Emma Culpepper adopted Daunte. taken on a life of its own. Today, an estimated 1.5 million people have seen and been impacted by the fi lm, all due to the efforts of those on the grassroots level. This wonderfully reckless documentary “I was raised with a lot of love,” Daunte said. “I was already in a loving place, a loving home from is fast-paced and truly unique. To see Africa through young eyes is humorous and heartbreaking, day one.” quick and informative – all in the same breath.

With Emma’s strong support, guidance and love, Daunte went on to achieve great things. As After people viewed the movie, the one question repeatedly asked was, “What can I do?” As a a teenager, he excelled in athletics, especially basketball, baseball and football. He was even result, in September 2004, the non-profi t, Invisible Children, Inc. was born from a fi lm. It has grown drafted by the New York Yankees as a senior in high school. He credits much of his success in life to become the awareness, mobilization, and fundraising effort taking place throughout America to Emma. and other countries around the world by people who are inspired to act. The goal is to empower the individual viewer to become a part of the story and “be the change they wish to see in the “She raised me the best way she knew how to raise a kid - in the old school ways,” Daunte said. world” through action. Daunte speaks about his adopted mother: “She’s a very, very special lady. Remarkable. Strong. Everything you’d want in a mother. In a parent. I just wish she could have been the difference in This past April, more than 80,000 people, inspired by the fi lm, walked from their homes to spend even more kids’ lives. Her love was just always there. I can never repay her for what she’s done the night outside in their cities to raise awareness for the Ugandan children at an event called the for me. There’s no dollar amount that I could ever give her that would amount to half of what she’s Global Night Commute. Through letters to Congress and inspirational art projects, the voices of done. She gave me those things that money can’t buy. But I can try. I’m going to take care of her many were heard across the world. Labeled as one of the biggest demonstrations in the U.S. for the best way I can.” Africa, thousands left the comforts of home for one night to join the invisible children and wake up a nation to its power and potential to end a war. Following in Emma’s footsteps, Daunte himself has turned to adoption. In addition to their fi ve kids, he and his wife adopted Daunte’s nephew. After living with Daunte for a couple of years, his Invisible Children’s vision is to change culture, policy and lives through collisions of power and nephew missed Florida and wanted to move back, so he moved in with Emma. Now 90-year-old poverty. Programs on the ground in Northern Uganda are providing hope by connecting people Emma is caring for another generation and loving every minute of it. and resources from the U.S. with the people of Northern Uganda, who are affected by this 20-year- long war. The Bracelet Campaign and Education Program provide health care, safety, education “She just had her 90th birthday in December, and she’s still sharp as a tack,” Daunte said. “Her and employment to hundreds, allowing Ugandans to take responsibility for the future of their own house every day is full of people visiting her.” lives and country. It is Invisible Children’s belief that we need to live for more, because the invisible children need more to live. Because of Emma’s dedication and Daunte’s belief in adoption, he wanted to give back to the greater community. When he signed with the Minnesota Vikings, he started looking for a charity Become a part of the story and check out www.invisiblechildren.com. where he could donate his time and money. He didn’t have to look far because the African Ameri- can Adoption Agency in St. Paul, Minnesota, was already looking for him. 10 11 Darryl DMC McDaniels Program Participants In 1997, hip hop legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels should have been riding high. The multi-platinum recording artist Run-DMC was touring Europe after a AdoptUSKids remix put them back atop the charts, and money was rolling in. Instead DMC found himself in a lonely hotel room contemplating suicide. Coping with vocal The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children troubles and creative differences with his group, McDaniels felt lost. As he now and Families, The Adoption Exchange Association, The Collaboration to recalls it, it was a song by Sarah McLachlan, “Angel,” that brought him back AdoptUsKids, in partnership with The Advertising Council, are pleased to announce from the edge. “Fly away from here, from this cold hotel room,” she sang. a new public service advertising (PSA) campaign focusing on the adoption of teens “There’s vultures and thieves at your back and the storm keeps on twisting.” The from foster care. sadness in her voice captured an emptiness he felt but could not explain - until a few years later. The new PSAs are designed to help prospective parents realize that “You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent. There are thousands of teens in foster care who would love to put up with When gathering information for his autobiography, 35-year-old McDaniels got a bombshell- his you.” These light-hearted PSAs take a look at some of the everyday situations that parents and mother told him he was adopted. Amid the emotional turmoil, McDaniels wanted answers about teens encounter and reinforce the notion that these are the moments that really count. Teens don’t his true history. In October, 2005, VH1 featured McDaniels’ search for his biological roots, as need perfection, but they do need parents. well as his spiritual journey of self-discovery. At the start of taping, all McDaniels knew was that a 22-year-old named Berncenia Lovelace, who hailed from the Dominican Republic, gave him up for adoption in 1964. Video tape rolled as McDaniels consulted with experts, researched old archives, For more information about the campaign, please contact AdoptUsKids at 1-888-200-4005 or visit and followed the winding trail wherever it led. While taping, McDaniels approached his musical www.adoptuskids.org. hero, Sarah McLachlan, to revive the classic song, “Cats in the Cradle.” McLachlan agreed and let him in on a secret that cements their connection: she is adopted. McDaniels’ interpretation of Cats in the Cradle takes a song about regret and fl ips it into a positive message to adopted children Maxine B. Baker everywhere- you’re not alone. Maxine B. Baker, president and CEO of the Freddie Mac Foundation and vice McDaniels’ dedication to adoptees transcends self promotion. In 2006, he joined forces with president of Community Relations for Freddie Mac, leads one of the Washing- casting director and fellow adoptee, Sheila Jaffe, to form Camp Felix. Camp Felix is for children ton, DC region’s largest corporate foundations. growing up without parental support with a mission to give these children new opportunities and adventures. Created by Freddie Mac, the Freddie Mac Foundation is dedicated to creating hope and opportunity for children, youth and their families. A philanthropic Jaffe and McDaniels have partnered with the New York Foundling, a 136-year-old non-profi t, to use leader, the Foundation has invested more than $200 million over the past 15 a 350-acre existing camp for 3 weeks each summer for Camp Felix. It is their joint mission to plant years, helping better the lives of more than 1.7 million children. a seed of hope for children who have been neglected and abandoned by their parents; children who, in the absence of the support of a nurturing family, need caring experts to help them grow to Prior to leading the Freddie Mac Foundation, Baker served in various leadership capacities since be strong, independent, successful adults. joining Freddie Mac in 1982, including vice president of Administration & Corporate Properties, vice president of Human Resources, and vice president of Industry and Trade Relations. McDaniels’ quest is not portrayed in a vacuum, but in the context of his larger journey towards enlightenment. This growth is refl ected in his newest album, Checks, Thugs and Rock n Roll. Mc- Refl ecting Baker’s commitment to the community, she participates on a number of non-profi t boards, Daniels focuses on emotional struggles, political stands, and a heartfelt goodbye to Jam Master Jay. including the Washington Regional Area Grantmakers; Leadership Greater Washington; National The album pays tribute to the musical infl uences of DMC’s youth, including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix Council of Negro Women; and the Washington Redskins Leadership Council. and Harry Chapin. Baker graduated from Emerson College with a B.S. in speech communications and has performed Darryl McDaniels’ life has begun. graduate studies at the University of Maryland and Southeastern University, from which she re- ceived an honorary doctorate in humane letters in 2004.

12 13 Barry Clayton Black, Ph.D., D. Min. Bob Madigan

On June 27, 2003, Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.) was elected the 62nd “WTOP Radio’s Man About Town” Bob Madigan will celebrate his thirteenth Chaplain of the United States Senate. He began working in the Senate on July anniversary with WTOP this December. He is also very proud to be heard on 7, 2003. Prior to coming to Capitol Hill, Chaplain Black served in the U.S. Classical 103-5. Navy for over twenty-seven years, ending his distinguished career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. Prior to moving to DC full time in 1991, he was an NBC News Correspondent in New York City. During his nearly 12 years at NBC, he was a Financial Chaplain Black is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and an alumnus of Oak- Correspondent for the NBC Radio Networks, creating and hosting the wood College, Andrews University, North Carolina Central University, Eastern award-winning feature, “The Money Memo”. For nine years, Bob Madigan Baptist Seminary, Salve Regina University, and United States International was the morning news anchor for “The Source”, NBC’s Young Adult Radio University. In addition to earning Master of Arts degrees in Divinity, Counseling, and Management, Network. He was also a nationally broadcast talk show host of Talknet, tackling topics from he has received a Doctorate degree in Ministry and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology. fi nances to fi delity.

Chaplain Black has been selected for many outstanding achievements. Of particular note, he was For nine years, Bob Madigan served on the board of the RTNDA (Radio Television News chosen from 127 nominees for the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution Directors Association) Washington D.C. Area. Bob serves as a member of both the Media and to equal opportunity and civil rights. He received the 2002 Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Core Committees for The National Race for the Cure as well as the “start-line race announcer” on Leadership Award from The Morehouse School of Religion. In 2004, the Old Dominion University race day. Bob has received many prestigious awards including: an Edward R. Morrow Award, chapter of the NAACP conferred on him the Image Award, “Reaffi rming the Dream – Realizing the an Overseas Press Club Award, The Freedom Foundation Award, an Armstrong Award, several Vision” for military excellence. International Radio Festival awards, an Ohio State Award, a Deadline Club Award from Sigma Delta Chi, a Headliners Club Award, the Roy T. Howard Journalism Award, The Janus Award, The Chaplain Black is married with three sons. International Billboard Award, two Golden Mikes from the Radio Television News Association of Southern California, and The Carlton Sherwood Media Award from the Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF). And was honored as the 2005 Celebrity of the Year by Friends of Hexagon “Washington’s only original, political, satirical, musical, comedy revue. “ Roy and Abigail Blunt

Roy and Abigail Blunt, the event chairs of the 2006 Angels in Mark Schultz Adoption™ Dinner, are the proud parents of Alexander Charles Blunt, whom they adopted from Russia in April of this year. Char- In just six short years since signing with Word Records, Mark Schultz has be- lie is 22 months old. come one of the industry’s most successful songwriters, penning such poignant hits as “He’s My Son,” “Remember Me” and “Letters from War,” which was Representative Blunt represents Missouri’s seventh congressional selected as the centerpiece of the U.S. Army’s 2004 “Be Safe—Make It Home” district in the House of Representatives, where he also serves campaign. Schultz’ hit, “Back in His Arms Again” was named BMI’s Christian as the Majority Whip, the third ranking member of the House Song of the Year in 2003. “I Am the Way” was cited as the Christian Song of leadership. Elected to Congress in 1996, Representative Blunt the Year by American Songwriter magazine in 2001. is serving his fi fth term in Congress. He is also a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. His latest album, “Broken and Beautiful”, fi nds Schultz forging a new creative partnership with producers Mark Bright, (Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans), and Shaun Mrs. Blunt is the Director of Federal Government Affairs for Altria Corporate Services, representing Shankel (Natalie Grant). One of the highlights of the record is “Everything to Me,” a song Schultz Kraft Foods. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Ford’s Theatre and the American Council co-wrote with Cindy Morgan. “I was adopted and I just wanted to write a song about it,” says of Young Political Leaders and is a member of the Honorary Board of N Street Village in Washing- Schultz. The moving lyrics are included in this program. ton, D.C. He’s earned numerous accolades and become one of the Christian format’s core artists with seven Representative Blunt has three children in addition to Charlie: Missouri Governor Matt Blunt; Amy chart-topping hits to his credit and becoming a platinum selling artist. He’s also found success on Blunt, an attorney in Kansas City, Missouri; and Andy Blunt, an attorney in Jefferson City, Missouri. mainstream radio, scoring an AC hit with “He’s My Son.” His last project, “Live. . .A Night of Blunt also has fi ve grandchildren. Stories and Songs,” won the 2006 Gospel Music Association Dove Award for long form music video of the year. He recently earned the No. 1 spot on Billboard magazine’s Hot Christian Adult Contemporary Songwriters list.

14 15 “Just Like Me” “Everything To Me” This song was originally recorded by DMC with Sarah McLachlan. Recorded by Mark Schultz / Cindy Morgan

As I walk through the corners of Cooley High I must have felt your tears I gotta be thankful that I’m still alive When they took me from your arms I have a lot of thoughts like who the _ _ _ _ am I I’m sure I must have heard you say goodbye What is the truth and what is a lie? Lonely and afraid had you made a big mistake But I think about my life and everything is okay Could an ocean even hold the tears you cried I gotta pave the way to a brighter day Cause it’s really plain and simple when it came to me But you had dreams for me There’s a lot of people just like me (like me) You wanted the best for me There’s a whole lot just like me (like me) And you made the only choice you could that night

[Chorus: Sarah McLachlan] (Chorus) And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon When you comin’ home, I don’t know when You gave life to me We’ll get together then, you know we’ll have a good time then A brand new world to see Like playing baseball in the yard with dad at night 1964, uhh! Here we go, aiyyo Mom reading Goodnight Moon The child was born it was a beautiful day And praying in my room It was 1964, the 31st of May So if you worry if your choice was right The girl gave birth to a baby boy You gave me up but you gave everything to me He’s not a burden, he’s a bundle of joy She was just a young girl in her youth And if I saw you on the street And her parents tried real hard to hide the truth Would you know that it was me Is there a chance for the baby to live? And would your eyes be blue or green like mine That is a chance that you gotta give [2X] Would we share a warm embrace Would you know me in your heart [Chorus] Or would you smile and let me walk on by It was 9 whole months inside of the womb Knowing you had dreams for me Another long month in the hospital room You wanted the best for me Facin’ doom in a tomb cause is alone And I hope that you’d be proud of who I am But somebody came along and they took the kid home He came into the world like we all do (Chorus) But he never ever knew how he came through Do the best you can do if this happen to you And understand all the words that I’m rappin’ to you [2X] You gave life to me A chance to fi nd my dreams [Chorus] And a chance to fall in love You should have seen her shining face Father is, the mother and the father is.. On our wedding day Yo, the mother and the father is all that he knows Oh is this the dream you had in mind They give him lots of love and you know that it shows When you gave me up He’s livin’ really well he has all that he needs He came into the world and he’s gonna succeed You gave everything to me It is a blessing to live in the light And when I see you there If nothing is wrong then something is right Watching from heaven’s gates They say that life is a mystery Into your arms And I just wanna know my history I’m gonna run Understand that life is good to me And when you look in my eyes That’s the way it is so (let it be) My life is complete, everything is alright You can see my whole life Life is good to me, I’m in paradise See who I was Understand when I’m rappin’, no pain and sorrow And who I’ve become I just want you to know, yo yo [2X] (Chorus) I’m alright ma I’m alright pa.. na na na © 2006 Crazy Romaine Music (Adm. by The Loving Company) / Word Music, LLC / Lola Max Music (ASCAP) (Adm. by WordMusic, LLC) Featuring Sarah McLachlan, Produced by Professor Funk and Ashwin Sood Checks, Thugs, and Rock N Roll © 2005 RomenMpire Records 16 17 Tonight’s Menu 2006 Angels in Adoption™ Awardees in 1995. Shortly after, Mike was transferred Alabama to Alaska while serving in the Air Force. While Mike was serving his country, Tammy John and Tee Croyle accepted the role of a stay-at-home parent to Senator Jeff Sessions the many children they were caring for at any As John Croyle prepared to graduate from given time. After Mike retired in 2000, those the University of Alabama in 1974, he faced roles reversed. Mike became the stay-at-home a choice. He could pursue a career in profes- parent while Tammy became involved in the sional football or open a home for hurting Anchorage community as an educator and First Course children. Since his decision over thirty years advocate at the Alaska Foster Parent Training ago to dedicate his life to providing loving Center, working with abused and neglected Christian homes to children in need, John children. Over the years Mike and Tammy Baby Spinach Salad with Portobello, Roasted Bell Pepper and Fennel and his wife, Tee, have helped to raise almost Keech have provided foster care for between Roquefort Dressing 1,600 kids. The Croyles founded the Big 600 and 700 children, and have adopted Oak Boys’ Ranch in Gadsden in 1974, the twelve of them (in addition to four of their Big Oak Girls’ Ranch in Springville in 1988, own), seven of which are dealing with needs and acquired Westbrook Christian School related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. in 1990. At the Big Oak Ranches, boys and They have made it their mission to provide a Entrée girls are grouped into homes of up to eight loving and safe environment for children in children, with a married Christian couple serv- diffi cult situations and to help each child fi nd ing as the children’s parents. John and Tee’s their own footing. Children who may have Pan Seared Farm Raised Organic Beef Tenderloin and Tilapia Filet children, daughter Reagan and son Brodie, otherwise gotten lost in the shuffl e, have now serve the Big Oak Ranch as well, with Rea- With Braised Winter Root Vegetables and Oven Roasted Potatoes been given the skills to function effectively in gan acting as Counseling & Personal Growth Sun-dried Cherry Sauce their schools and communities. The Keech’s Director, her husband John David Phillips as have provided a “safety net” for hundreds of Director of the Girls’ Ranch, and Brodie as a children, allowing them to spread their wings, Ranch spokesperson. I believe that John and and ensuring them that they will always have Tee Croyle are highly deserving of the Angels love and support behind them. They are an in Adoption Award due to their many years of Dessert exemplary family who continue to share their service and ongoing commitment to bettering gift of love with Alaska and its children, and the lives of children in Alabama. for that I am pleased to nominate Mike and Peanut Brittle Bavaroise Tammy Keech as Angels in Adoption. with Dark Chocolate Mousse and Red Currant Syrup Alaska

Linda and Matthew Hampton Arizona Senator Lisa Murkowski Kelley McConnell Mrs. Hampton has been a foster mom for Representative John Shadegg Dinner Wines many, many years. She is on standby call A place to call home is about family. And continually and there is no time when she and providing a safe and loving environment her family have turned down foster children for a child in need can be one of the most Chardonnay, Steele Shooting Star, California to their home. Not only has she exemplifi ed rewarding experiences of one’s life. I have Cabernet Sauvignon, Steele Shooting Star, California the quintessence of foster care. Linda and her tremendous admiration for those who choose husband, because of the love for neglected to make a difference in the lives of children, and mistreated children have adopted a son and follow their hearts to provide for the through the foster care system. millions of orphaned children who desper- ately need what every single child deserves Fresh coffee and decaffeinated and herbal teas Mike and Tammy Keech – a loving family and a place to call home. I Representative Don Young am proud to honor Kelley McConnell as an The Offi ce of Representative Don Young is Angel in Adoption. Kelley has opened her pleased to nominate Mike and Tammy Keech heart and home to two young children, James to represent the State of Alaska in the 2006 and Jessie, who have been in the foster care Angels in Adoption campaign. The Keech’s system their entire lives. Although Kelley is fi rst became involved in foster care while a single parent with a full time career she is living in Missouri and adopted their fi rst child 18 19 fortunate enough to have the full support of insure that adoptions in Pima County remain medical needs, but also abandoned him in not only to be exceptional people, but also a loving extended family. She is now further in compliance with current laws and local the care of a homeless person. Margie and exceptional parents. What started out as the extending that family by providing a loving, rules and to further insure that adoptions Jesse lovingly nurtured him back to good couples attempt to adopt four children born stable home to two children very much in in Pima County are completed in a timely health and he is now a healthy fourteen year to a cocaine addicted mother ended quite need of one. With Kelley’s help, James and and consumer friendly way whether they be old adolescent preparing to begin his fresh- differently. During the adoption appeals Jessie’s hopeless and bleak outlook has turned private, international or DES adoptions. Scott man year at Cholla High School. The third process two other children were born to the into a bright happy future. No longer are they is an active volunteer member and contributor child adopted by the Salcidos was placed in same mother. Not wanting to split the chil- in an unstable, unsuitable environment. No to the organizing committee for Pima County’s their home directly from the hospital. At three dren, the Freemans agreed to adopt the other longer are they at substantial risk of harm. annual November Adoption Day celebra- days old, their tiny new foster placement was two children as well. According to Danielle James and Jessie now have a loving, support- tion. He sponsors a number of the children suffering from severe withdrawal as a result of Sims of the Faulkner County DHS, in Conway, ive home where they will be able to develop activities, i.e., a rock climbing wall and a prenatal substance exposure. Through count- AR, the compassion and eagerness of the into productive adults with the assistance of a jumping castle as well as some of the food less sleepless nights, Margie and Jesse did Freemans is very rare. “Its not often that we devoted mother. and beverages for the adoptive families. Scott their best to comfort and ease his withdrawal have a couple agree to take on four children is also a key participant in our two special symptoms. As a result of his drug exposure, and then agree to take on even more, when Scott Myers adoption celebrations at the court celebrating he continues to have a number of special something like this happens,” Sims said. The Representative Jim Kolbe adoptions by grandparents and foster parents needs including having been diagnosed with six children (Chase 7, Tait 6, Tori 5, Kristen 4, I am pleased to nominate Scott Myers for the in connection with the months that celebrate Asperger’s Syndrome. Despite his numerous Zoe 1, and Bryce 10 months) have adjusted Angels in Adoption program for 2006. Scott those folks. needs, Margie and Jesse provide an outstand- well to their new family, according to friends has been practicing for approxi- ing nurturing family environment in which of the family. While Roger continues his work mately 20 years. He has been a member of Jesse and Marge Salcido he has thrived into a happy, healthy, active at a nuclear power plant, Alesia has become the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys Representative Raul Grijalva seven year old boy. Additionally, many of a stay-at-home mom. This heartwarming story since 1994. Since 2001, when he limited his When they were initially licensed to provide their former foster placements have remained is best summed up by Tess Fletcher, volunteer law practice exclusively to adoption related foster care services, Jesse and Margie Salcido in contact with the Salcido family or have coordinator for CASA in Falkner County, matters, he has participated in more than explained that they had decided to seek sought to reconnect with the family years after when she says “It was a beautiful thing to see 870 adoptions. Of those 870, 574 adop- licensure to help the community by providing leaving the home. One such placement, now the children placed with Alesia and Roger. It tions were for special needs foster children a home for children that were in need of one. a twenty-something married mother of two, shows that there are happy endings for the in the custody of the Arizona Department of At the time, they were parenting fi ve of their reconnected with the family last Fall. At that children we work with.” Economic Security. Many of these adoptions own biological children. Not surprisingly, time, she explained that the Salcidos’ home involved sibling groups or multiple children. their home was already quite a hub of activity was the only place she and her siblings didn’t Trina and Kevin Hoofman Scott represents the adoptive parents of yet together the family determined they would fear separation and formed a bond. Jesse Senator Blanche Lincoln these special needs children at a signifi cantly make room in their lives and home for others. and Margie continue to dedicate their lives Trina and Kevin were instrumental in the reduced fee to ensure the timely adoption Twenty years later, Jesse and Margie continue to helping Tucson children in need. They give formation of the White County Foster Parent of children who may have been in the foster to open their hearts to children in need. A of themselves unselfi shly and do not hesitate Association, and since its inception, both care system for a signifi cant period of their remarkable total of eighty-three children have to open their hearts and home to any child, have served as president. Trina is currently lives. Through his efforts in representing rela- called the Salcido home their own. Some no matter how challenging. Additionally, they the Chair of the White County Adoption Co- tives and foster parents in adopting the chil- children have stayed for up to four and a half excel in meeting the educational, emotional, alition, where she is currently in the process dren in their care, the court is able to expedi- years, others a few days, and three children and physical needs of the children placed in of planning an adoption fair picnic to help tiously close the cases of dependent children. will stay a lifetime since the family adopted their care. Because of the unconditional love recruit families and make matches for children In addition to his adoption law practice, Scott them. All three of the Salcidos’ adopted and patience Jesse and Margie possess, as awaiting adoption in the state of Arkansas to volunteers with the legal clinic at the Kin- children entered their home as foster children well as their exceptional parenting skills, the be held on November 4, 2006. Even more ship and Adoption Resource and Education having suffered from various forms of abuse children placed in their care make tremen- impressive, the Hoofman’s have hosted 49 (KARE) Family Center. He has taught classes and neglect. Their eldest adopted child, now dous progress. As foster care providers, their foster children in their home since 2003, two on adoption through the Casa de los Ninos, twenty-one years old, was placed with the level of compassion, patience, and dedication of whom they have adopted, ages 19 and 2. Parent Legal Education Program. He has pro- Salcidos at three months of age. She was is truly unmatched. They remain an extremely During the Christmas holiday, Trina wages a vided free legal services to clients through the taken into CPS custody due to neglect result- valuable asset to the Tucson community and, personal campaign to ensure that all the foster Volunteer Lawyers Program, and has handled ing from parental substance abuse. Now the perhaps more importantly, mean the world to children in White County have gifts under the adoptions without charge to clients of KARE mother of two children of her own, she looks the children placed in their care. tree. Both Trina and Kevin display extreme and the Asylum Project at Catholic Commu- to Margie and Jesse for parental guidance passion and willingness to participate, and nity Services. Scott provides continuing legal in raising her two children. The second child they act as a great support system to families education on the subject of adoption through adopted by Jesse and Margie arrived in their Arkansas in need. the State Bar of Arizona, the Pima County care when he was eight months old. Prior to Bar Association and the Pima County Juvenile being placed in their home, he had under- Alesia and Roger Freeman Inger Nelson Court. He serves as a member of the court’s gone surgery to correct a heart defect. His Representative Vic Snyder Representative John Boozman adoptions committee which meets regularly to biological mother not only failed to meet his Alesia and Roger Freeman have proven Inger Nelson is a Licensed Certifi ed Social 20 21 Worker with over 21 years of experience in to help expedite their process. She uses her rich resume includes: Former Chief of Police need a permanent, loving family and parents Parent Counseling and Adoption Issues. Inger lunch hour when necessary to meet parents of the City of San Diego, Former United States who have opened their hearts and homes to fi rst began her work in building families at at government offi ces to help process their Marshall of the Southern District of California, infant children and to teenagers. Recognizing the Ozark Guidance Center by reviewing paperwork. She truly is inspirational in her and service on many local community boards that adoption brings all the joys and chal- clinical material for placement of children. dedication to fi nding homes for children and including the Neighborhood House Assn, lenges of ordinary parenting plus a number Committed to her career of helping children, it is apparent to those around her that this YMCA, Family Literacy Forum, Children’s Ini- of differences and extras, FAIR provides the she obtained her Masters Degree in Social dedication comes directly from her heart. tiative, United Way of San Diego and others. I opportunity for connections between families, Work from the University of Arkansas, and am pleased to recognize David Bejarano with through support groups, education programs, she became an Associate Professor for master this nomination. and person-to-person contact. FAIR has expe- level students. Today, she continues to provide California rience with a variety of special needs, includ- clinical supervision to a master level intern Carol Bishop ing trans-racial and trans-cultural adoption, program at Christian Life Cathedral in Fay- David Bejarano Representative Sam Farr and they share resources and encouragement etteville. Inger is an adoption champion. For Representative Bob Filner Ms. Bishop is renowned in our community for with its extended family of members. FAIR the past nine years, Inger has served as an I would like to nominate David Bejarano for her leadership in the adoption and foster care publishes an exceptional quarterly newslet- individual counselor at Compassion House the 2006 Angels in Adoption Award. He was fi elds. Ms. Bishop’s outstanding accomplish- ter, conducts training for therapists, operates Ministries, a support home for pregnant instrumental in the start-up of La Cuna Inc, ments in these areas include: • Developing a “warm line” for parents and has produced teenagers and young adults in Northwest Ar- a grass-roots, non-profi t organization -- cre- a respected adoption placement program two training videos as well as a nationally kansas. She assists birth mothers through the ated to address the shortage of quality foster serving children throughout California; • recognized guide for educators and parents grieving process resulting from the decision to homes serving Latino babies and toddlers. Administering specialty mental health clin- entitled “Adoption and the Schools”. These place their children for adoption. In addition, The vision of La Cuna is to ensure that all La- ics in Salinas and San Luis Obispo serving resources help to support the work of FAIR she conducts closing ceremonies with birth tino foster children receive the nurturing they adoptive children and their families; • Provid- and are available through the FAIR website mothers and the adoptive families. Inger has need to develop into productive members of ing leadership for an Education Institute that at www.fairfamilies.org. FAIR’s motto is “A assisted in the adoption of over 100 infants their communities. David accepted the offi ce develops and teaches professional and parent permanent loving family for every child? It’s by compiling comprehensive family history of Board President immediately, despite the permanency-specifi c education curricula, that only FAIR.” I’m exceeding proud of the work interviews and home studies for attorneys fact that this organization was so small that includes supportive materials and educational of FAIR and just as proud to nominate them to present in court as part of the adoption no one had heard of it and despite his hectic videos; • Providing leadership for two adop- for and Angel in Adoption Award. process. She conducts both observational ses- schedule. He has tirelessly worked to mobi- tion specialty wraparound services programs sions and follow-up consultations for diffi cult lize the community around a remedy for the in Monterey and Santa Clara Counties for Sheila Ganz placement situations. I join her husband, Tyler, very real crisis in foster care for Latino chil- adoptive families in crisis, whose children Representative Nancy Pelosi her daughters, her faith family at Christian dren. The issues addressed by La Cuna are are in danger of or placement in One infl uential adoptee says, “Sheila is Life Cathedral, her employer, the Holden two-fold: the lack of culturally relevant homes residential care; • Developing, planning, universally respected in the U.S. adoption Institute, and her colleagues at Compassion for Latino foster children, whose foster parents and administering an outstanding relative community and her documentary ‘Unlocking House Ministries and the Kelley Law Firm in often cannot speak the child’s language, and caregiver program in Monterey County that the Heart of Adoption’ is an important fi lm.” recognizing her invaluable contribution on the a lack of homes that are geared towards tak- has assisted grandparents and other relatives But she had a rough beginning. In 1968, “front lines” for adoption. I proudly nominate ing in sibling groups, resulting in a majority to achieve permanency for hundreds of local twenty-year-old Sheila Ganz was raped be- Inger Nelson as the 3rd District of Arkansas of foster children being separated from their children who would otherwise be in foster came pregnant and unwillingly relinquished Angel of Adoption, an award richly deserved. siblings -- both resulting in trauma for these care serving on numerous statewide commit- her baby for adoption. Twenty years later, children. In the creation and operation of La tees and workgroups infl uencing policy and she became an adoption reform advocate, Lynn Simms Cuna, there has been no task deemed too legislations; and • Assuming statewide leader- was inspired to make “Unlocking the Heart Senator Mark Pryor small or too time-consuming for Mr.Bejarano. ship in adoption as President of the California of Adoption” and found her daughter. Her Lynn is a social worker at Arkansas Children’s For example, he recently drove two hours to Association of Adoption Agencies. courage and talent combined with a solid Hospital by day and an advocate for adop- meet with a prospective donor of $1000 to commitment to make a difference in the world tion by nights and weekends. She is the Holt help these foster children. Thanks to him, La Families Adopting in Response (FAIR) through meaningful media prompted her to in- International representative in the State of Cuna has a solid plan to grow, to evaluate Representative Anna Eshoo clude her journey as a birthmother interwoven Arkansas, performing home studies and serv- their program, to fundraise, and to replicate Families Adopting in Response (FAIR) is an with compelling fi rst person stories of adopt- ing as an advisor to adoptive parents through- in other cities. Thanks to his leadership, La all volunteer, non-profi t 501 (C) 3 organiza- ees, birthparents and adoptive parents in both out the entire adoption process. She has Cuna has built a solid Board of Directors who tion located in the 14th Congressional District same race and trans-racial adoptions. Sheila also conducted home studies for the Catholic are cross-cultural and committed to building which I’m proud to represent. FAIR offers infor- is described as, “A skilled fi lmmaker who with Diocese of Arkansas for over 15 years. She bridges between cultures in Southern Califor- mation, education, support and fellowship to compassion and balance presented the heart goes beyond the call of duty in her efforts nia, where this is so crucial and there is so adoptive and pre-adoptive families. Its mem- of adoption to the public.” “Unlocking the to unite children with families. If paperwork much more work to be done. And best of all, bership includes families who have adopted Heart of Adoption” launched on public televi- is delayed she will move mountains to get it thanks to his help, this agency has placed 27 children through public and private agencies, sion in 2005. Sheila’s fi lm bridges the gap back on track. She often meets out-of-town Latino children in nurturing, culturally-relevant from the U.S. as well as from many other between adoption triad members, who have families half-way to exchange paperwork homes within their fi rst year of operation. His countries. FAIR focuses on the children who hailed her fi lm as, “Capturing the essence of 22 23 the issues in adoption from all perspectives.” her children a strong work ethic and sees to it continues to push more African Americans adoption. Carol and her husband Mike are Many have thanked her for telling their story her children attend church on a regular basis. to serve as foster parents and adopt children fi rst-time adoptive parents who overcame and “for helping all of us dealing with adop- Her children are involved in extra activities who are of special needs or who have been signifi cant obstacles to obtain legal custody of tion issues to have a better understanding such as youth camp, youth conferences, youth in the foster system for a long period of time. their 7-year-old son, Jonathan, who was born and not feel so alone.” Her fi lm has changed activities, etc. Mary is truly an unsung hero. in Mexico. Weighing 2lbs. 2oz., Jonathan’s people’s lives. As an activist Sheila testifi ed Diane Michelsen journey for survival began the minute he was before the California State House and Senate Kathy and James Golde Representative Ellen Tauscher born. Carol and Mike overcame the tedious Judiciary Committees on behalf of the civil Senator Dianne Feinstein Diane Michelsen has always been interested and arduous paperwork and proceedings for right of adult adoptees to obtain their birth Teacher Kathy Golde affectionately recalls the in adoption. As a little girl she had a large Jonathan’s adoption and citizenship. It took records and birthparent rights. Her essays day she got to know a darling red-headed play family of dolls of all kinds – whether over seven years, various trips to Mexico, and poems on adoption have been published student named Tessa on the fi rst day of school they were soft, molded, young, old, born or and time in Federal Court for deportation in numerous adoption books and newsletters. in her 3rd grade classroom. Mrs. Golde adopted, mattered not. They were all hers! proceedings. Carol and Mike persevered She serves as a consultant with her fi lm at quickly learned that Tessa was a foster child And she loved them all! After college, with a and are now proud to be the legal parents of adoption agencies, as well as at college and who needed an adoptive home. Mrs. Golde degree in Social Work, Diane was employed Jonathan. Carol’s spirit is also shown through university campuses across the U.S. A univer- and her husband Jim both come from large by the Los Angeles County Department of her civic and community involvement, includ- sity professor writes Sheila’s fi lm is “A superb families, have three grown children, the Adoptions where she placed children who ing her important role as President of the San teaching tool for courses on adoption. This youngest in college. They discussed the pos- needed homes. She said, “Here were these Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, elegantly constructed documentary provides a sibility of adopting Tessa and later discovered great kids and here were these great families Board of Director of the California Rural Hous- dramatic and moving perspective on the pow- that there were 3 younger siblings, Lillian and they needed to fi nd each other and con- ing Coalition, Board of Director of the Ameri- erful emotions surrounding adoption.” Sheila age 7, Leonard age 6, and Starr age 4, who nect.” Later, Diane worked for the Department can Heart Association and Chair for the “Go created a workbook and three-hour curriculum also needed an adoptive home and were all of Social Services as an Adoption Worker, Red” campaign, a movement to help women for the fi lm on the issues of loss and identity red-heads! They contacted the California did home studies, follow-up visits, and pre- overcome heart disease. Furthermore, Carol and the website: www.unlockingtheheart.com. Department of Social Services, Adoptions pared families for both domestic and inter- is the Executive Director of ACLC, a non- Sheila attended the School of the Museum of Services Bureau, Chico District Offi ce. Adop- national adoptions. She also had a private profi t organization that develops housing for Fine Arts, Boston, (1965-1967); earned a BA, tions Specialists Jennifer Heck and Joyce therapy practice with the adoption triad mem- low- and moderate-income families throughout Sculpture (1982) and MA, Interdisciplinary Felch worked closely with the Golde family to bers: the birth parents, the adoptee, and the the Central Valley. Carol has truly demon- Arts (1985) from San Francisco State Univer- arrange the adoption. To make a long story adopting parents. Diane decided to become strated selfl essness, graciousness and love. sity and a Black Belt in Karate (1984). From short, the Goldes adopted all four children on an attorney as she wanted to have a voice She and Mike are amazing people, and are 1983-1989 she wrote two full-length plays, April 10, 2006. The Judge that fi nalized the in “…doing things right. Adoption is a legal true role models for families who care about “Pretend It Didn’t Happen” and “Leaving adoption looked at the family and the friends process where a person becomes joined to a the welfare of children. It is an honor for me Joe.” Sheila is a woman who moved beyond and relatives who’d come to court and said family they previously had no connection to.” to select Carol Ornelas as a recipient of the simply surviving – she is a woman who chose he wished he could take a photo and give Her ultimate goal is to ensure the adoption 2006 Angel in Adoption Award. She is truly to throw her anger, pain and guilt away to it to the newspaper because they were the process is done legally and completely with deserving of our respect and admiration. enable her to make the world of adoption a picture of such a happy adoption story! The dignity and respect for all involved. Diane better place. Golde family has worked hard to maintain an has taught classes about adoption; presented Sharon Roszia ongoing relationship with the children’s bio- to local and national groups; organized and Representative Loretta Sanchez Mary Gardner logical grandfather who they visit quarterly. participated in the Viet Nam Baby Lift at the Sharon Roszia is a mentor, educator and Representative Wally Herger Tessa, Lillian, Leonard, and Star have a great Presido; and was the founding President of leader in the fi eld of adoption. Ms. Roszia Mary Gardner has been a foster parent for chance of leading happy, productive lives. the Academy of CA Adoption Lawyers and is the Director of Special Needs Adoption twenty-two years as of last June. Mary’s fi rst Representatives from the California Depart- the American Academy of Adoption Attor- for Kinship Center’s Southern California foster placement was Sept. 2, 1984 of a ment of Social Services say they wish there neys. Diane and her husband are parents via programs where she has supplied the leader- multi-handicapped two year old boy and four were more families like the Goldes—who adoption -- “… I love and adore my daughter, ship for Kinship Center to provide intensive years later Mary adopted him. Mary started come along once in a lifetime and change (even when I am pulling out my hair.) She has services to more than 1400 children each out as a single mom and over the years she lives forever. stretched me in ways I didn’t think possible. year in California. Her landmark work led has cared for more then 300 children. In the And yet, there is no way I would have traded to three USDHHS awards for Excellence in beginning Mary focused mostly on emer- Albertina “Tina” Hughes this journey. Parenting her has enriched my Adoption for Kinship Center. She has been gency short term foster care. As years passed Representative Barbara Lee life!” a leading infl uence for positive change in kids stayed longer or became a permanent Mrs. Albertina “Tina” Hughes exemplifi es the adoption fi eld. Her Seven Core Issues in part of the Gardner family. At this time Mary what it means to be a truly giving and caring Carol Ornelas Adoption, a guide to understanding issues af- has 10 adoptive children and 3 birth children foster and adoptive parent. For the past Representative Dennis Cardoza fecting all members of the adoption constella- as well as one wonderful angel of an “adopt- 25 years she has served as foster mother to I am honored to select Carol Ornelas of tion, is presently referenced in most adoption ed/guardianship” daughter, Natasha, who is scores of children and adopted four children. Stockton, California for the Angel in Adop- literature. In addition to receiving the North a graduate of Stanford University. Mary is an The fi rst child she adopted was a special tion Award, for her outstanding contribution American Council on Adoptable Children organized and involved mom. She has taught needs, young lady from out-of-state. She toward the welfare of children placed in Adoption Activist Award for 2006, Ms. Ro- 24 25 szia has received numerous national awards care villages exist in the United States. It ect, a public and private collaboration that foster care and adoption. In September of for her contributions in the fi eld of adoption. consists of six-bedroom family homes where demonstrates that foster teens can successfully 1994, Darrell and Patricia learned that a 17 She is a nationally and internationally known siblings are able to stay together rather than achieve permanent families. The idea around year old pregnant girl in her third trimester lecturer, educator and author. Her two books being further traumatized by separation. Destination Family has been to fi nd caring was looking to place her baby in a Christian Cooperative Action: The Offi cial Handbook They are raised by “Village Parents” who live individuals who are willing to commit to being home. She wanted to pick the parents and and The Open Adoption Experience are used in the home with them. Also in the village are a part of these young adults’ lives as they receive pictures and updates. A meeting extensively around the world to inform and the “Grandparents,” seniors who are a part grow older. As Mary states, “the goal is not was arranged for Darrell and Patricia to be educate both professionals and families. She of the children’s daily lives; reading to the just about placement for these kids, it’s about interviewed. At this interview Darrell and is the co-author of the Adoption Clinical Train- children, listening to them or teaching them to building lasting relationships.” The project’s Patricia noted they were older than the birth ing curriculum which educates mental health ride a bike. The best part is that the children incredible success has resulted in eliminating grandparents. This got them thinking, are we professionals and social workers. The curricu- can stay there until they are 18, knowing traditional barriers between public and pri- too old to be doing this? They didn’t want a lum has been used nationally, training more they will never again have to move – they vate agencies, putting old belief systems aside late start to have them miss out on the joys of than 4000 professionals in issues unique are home at last. Kerry Mark Hasenbalg, the and instead embracing a “whatever-it-takes” having children raised in their home. They to adoption. Recognized by organizations Executive Director of Angels in Adoption said attitude. A testament to Mary’s leadership and arranged a private adoption and attended around the world as a key individual respon- it best, “children are meant to be raised in dedication to these teens was her effort within pregnancy classes with the birth mom. They sible for positive system change in adoption families.” In Sonoma County this can be true a group of public and private agencies and were present on November 21st, 1994 for practices, she is a sought after presenter and even for children whose parents are not able individuals to develop the “Sacramento Heart the delivery of Nazare’ Christiana Walter. keynote speaker for adoption conferences. to provide that, thanks to Lia Rowley. Gallery” starting in November 2005. Mary Less than 24 hours later, she was in her She is highly respected in her fi eld by her and her staff established an on-going col- new home. She is now eleven years old peers, employers and numerous families she Shirlee Smith laboration with Sacramento State University’s and beginning 6th grade. She is a beautiful has helped to come together. Sharon also Representative Adam Schiff photography department to take professional green-eyed, brown haired girl who loves lives adoption as a mother by birth and by Shirlee is the host and producer of the photographs of foster youth, twelve to eigh- God, family and friends. She enjoys art, adoption of special needs children; grand- award-winning nationally syndicated cable teen years old, looking for permanency and piano, listening to music, swimming, softball, parenting two young adults in an open adop- television program “Talk About Parenting” homes. She has worked to showcase the videos, reading, games, animals, and of tion and also great-grand parenting two boys which is broadcast in 45 cities, including Los “Heart Gallery” throughout Sacramento as a coarse Disneyland. Nazare’ has a good and a girl. Representative Sanchez proudly Angeles, Washington, D.C. and New York. traveling witness of deserving children in the sense of humor and enjoys having a little honors Sharon Roszia as a humanitarian and In addition to her 5 children, 3 grandchildren community. As a result of Mary’s inspiring brother. Once you’ve enjoyed a child, one leader in her community, her country and and 1 great grandchild, she is a foster parent leadership in Sacramento, she is more than starts to question if this should be an only around the globe. to Brandi (since birth), and she has been a deserving of this year’s Angels in Adoption child. Nazare’ began to pray for a brother foster parent to 12 drug-exposed infants. award. or sister. Darrell and Patricia later found out Lia Rowley She has served as a Commissioner for the others were praying as well for this. In the Representative Lynn Woolsey Los Angeles County Department of Children Darrell and Patricia Walter spring of 2000, they received a phone call It is my distinct pleasure to nominate Lia Row- and Family Services, and as Chair of the Representative Gary Miller from Nazare’s birth grandmother informing ley as the Angel in Adoption for California’s Los Angeles County Adoptions Commission. It was no ordinary workday in September them of the opportunity to have a sibling Sixth District. As a child in Holland, Lia Through her TV show, newspaper columns of 1994 at Darrell’s medical offi ce when for Nazare’. On August 6th, 2000 Darrell, experienced the chaos and fear of war. She and workshops, Shirlee provides guidance one of his long term employees approached Patricia, and Nazare’ were present for the spent endless hours playing “mommy” with and support to other foster parents. She him with a personal question: Would you be birth of Deandre’ Michael Walter. Nazare’ her dolls, creating safe and loving families mentors fellow foster parents through the bu- interested in adopting a baby? He told her told them how God had answered her prayer for them. She knew that when she grew up, reaucracy to insure the best care is achieved that he would have to speak with his wife for a sibling. Deandre’ Michael Walter is she would be “a mommy of many children.” for their children. Shirlee Smith’s approach Patricia fi rst, but he already knew what her now a beautiful 6 year old kindergartener Later, as an adult, Lia worked with emotion- to parenting is best described as “common answer would be. He’ll never forget the joy with dark brown eyes and black curly hair. ally disturbed and developmentally delayed sense instilled with sass.” and excitement on her face when he told her He was premature by 3 weeks and had a children. She worked in family homes where and thought he would have to peel her off the late start at walking and talking, but he is she saw children and parents with unimagi- Mary Tarro ceiling. Sometimes, even now, he reminds now known for his vibrant energy, charming nable challenges and pain. Her thoughts Representative Doris Matsui her of that conversation when she’s had a personality, and love for people. He enjoys often centered on ways to protect these Mary Tarro is the Sacramento County Depart- tough day with the children and it seems to children’s games, school, sports, learning, children. After the death of one unprotected ment of Health and Human Services’ Adop- encourage her. After two years of marriage, music, dancing, showing his gym and karate little girl in our community, Lia decided “it’s tion Program Manager. For the past 10 years, Darrell and Patricia planned to start a family. moves, and just entertaining people. At the time!” and set out to create The Children’s she has worked tirelessly with families, foster The painful world of infertility became a age of 5, he learned all the Presidents of the Village. It took nearly ten years of sheer will children, and private adoption agencies in reality. Darrell and Patricia began fi rst by United States in order by listening to his big on her part to bring her vision to fruition. Sacramento to fi nd permanent homes for exploring the medical options. It was one sister Nazare’ recite them in practice for her Along the way, many volunteers were inspired some of the most hard to place children. She emotional roller coaster ride fi lled with much fi fth grade class. This has fascinated many an to join her. The Children’s Village is unique has provided key leadership in developing hope and deep disappointment. Still with adult as they wonder if he missed any. Darrell in California, and only three si! milar foster the Destination Family Youth Permanence Proj- no success, Darrell and Patricia considered and Patricia feel that the adoption experience 26 27 has been wonderful for their family. When cases of abuse, neglect and homelessness. communicated in a caring objective and ac- people tell them how nice it is that they In 2000, he opened his own law fi rm focus- Connecticut curate way. RESOLVE is the oldest and largest helped two children through adoption, Darrell ing on legal services to prospective adoptive voluntary consumer-centered infertility organi- Byron and Kelly Campbell and Patricia thoughts are how blessed they parents, foster parents, and birth parents. His zation in this country. Because of thousands of Senator Joseph Lieberman are to have children. All they can say is that fi rm has also served as outside counsel for couples have built their families though adop- Byron and Kelly Campbell, of Trumbull, God is faithful and thank Him for making several Colorado adoption agencies. Mr. tion as a result of information, education, and Connecticut, are the adoptive parents of two everything beautiful in His time. Grob has successfully worked to improve assistance provided by RESOLVE programs sons from Guatemala and a daughter from Colorado laws on adoption and child wel- and publications for more than 30 years, Connecticut. The Campbells are members MaryAnn Ziegler fare. Specifi cally, he drafted and lobbied for RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association of Black Rock Congregational Church, and Representative Zoe Lofgren laws to reduce the likelihood that children will should be named an Angels in Adoption for through this membership they have been able Representative Zoe Lofgren is honored to be uprooted from prospective adoptive homes 2006. to conduct and host monthly adoption support acknowledge another positive Foster/Adop- and that a child’s best interest is considered meetings for the past six years in a meeting tive family here in the 16th District. She when an adoption is challenged. He also Donald Sherer room at the church. These meetings have learned about the Ziegler family recently and drafted legislation that expedites child wel- Representative Christopher Shays proven to be helpful to adoptive parents and was impressed with their dedication and fare proceedings for foster children under the Donald B. Sherer was elected to the State prospective adoptive parents. Through these commitment in fostering approximately 100 age of six to reduce the lengthy placement of of Connecticut’s House of Representatives in meetings, the Campbells have reached out children in Santa Clara County since their foster care children. Mr. Grob has also been November 2002, and has actively continued to a community they understand and offered involvement in Foster Care 15 years ago. Not an active teacher of child welfare law and to represent the 147th District of Stamford a form of support that would otherwise be only is Representative Lofgren impressed with attracting others to his legal specialty. He and New Canaan, following long service to missing from the adoption experience. I am them having 3 grown sons, all of whom are served as a part time faculty member at the the City of Stamford. Don lives in Stamford proud to nominate the Campbells as my 2006 employed by the California Dept of Forestry University of Denver College of Law, teaching with his wife, Shelley, and they have two Angels of Adoption. and one who has served a 4-year term with classes in child advocacy and child welfare. grown children, Jennifer and Eric and one the U.S. Marines including 7 months in Iraq, He later served as Assistant Director at the grandson. Sherer is a well-known attorney. RESOLVE, Inc: The National Infertility but also with the challenges they endure daily University of Denver’s Child Advocacy Law He is a member of the Bar in Connecticut Association with two adopted children who are medically Clinic from 1998 to 2000. He also taught and New York, as well as on the Federal and Representative Nancy L. Johnson fragile with special needs. Sharon, an 11 classes focusing on violence against children Supreme Court level. Don is an advisor to Reason for Selection: Through its network of year old Filipina, was taken into the Ziegler at Red Rocks Community College. Mr. Grob the Connecticut Law Revision Commission’s local chapters and affi liates, RESOLVE: The home as a foster child in February1995 has been an active member of the American Assisted Reproductive Technology Committee National Infertility Association has since 1974 and was adopted in January 1997. She Academy of Adoptive Attorneys, the National regarding the drafting of “An Act Concerning been a leader in providing unbiased informa- was born at just 23 weeks and suffers from Association of Counsel for Children, the Gestational Agreements” and a consultant to tion and support for couples exploring the gift epilepsy. Richard, a 6-year old Cambodian, Colorado Bar, the Juvenile Law Forum of the the New York State Surrogate Judges Assem- of adoption as a means to build their family. has Down’s Syndrome with many medical Colorado Bar and the Family Law section of bly, Connecticut State Legislators, Connecticut RESOLVE adoption programs, held in cities and developmental needs, including the need the Colorado Bar. He has been repeatedly Probate Courts and medical and legal profes- and towns across the country, are open to RE- for a feeding tube. The Ziegler’s continue to acknowledged for his commitment to Colo- sionals on various aspects of Adoption Law SOLVE members and non-members alike and balance their busy lives with enough left to rado children through the 1996 Outstanding and related fi elds. As a fellow of the Ameri- forge partnerships with local adoption profes- provide a nurturing and loving home for their Legal Advocacy Award from the National can Academy of Adoption Attorneys, Don has sionals, including mental health professionals, special needs children. Association of Counsel for Children and the achieved recognition for his work in adoption attorneys and adoption agencies. Each year 1997 Children’s Champion Award from the law and assisted reproductive technology law. thousands of people across the U.S. attend Colorado Association of the Education of His proposal for new adoption law became RESOLVE adoption seminars and conferences Colorado Young Children. Throughout his extensive ca- the law of Connecticut in 1986. that provide unbiased information on the vari- reer, Seth has handled more than six hundred ous methods of adoption in the U.S. includ- Seth Grob adoption related cases in Colorado and has ing domestic agency, domestic independent, Representative Diana DeGette assisted hundreds of children fi nd permanent Florida foster care, and inter-country adoption. Local Representative John Salazar families. In recognition of his public service support groups (both peer and profession- Representative Mark Udall in the area of adoption, Seth was appointed Paige and Jeff Anderson ally-led), offer unparalleled opportunities for Seth Grob has been a long term advocate for and served as the director of Colorado Gov- Representative Jeff Miller women and men to meet with others who are children in Colorado and is recognized as a ernor Roy Romer’s early childhood initiative A parent’s selfl essness, love, and affection are considering adoption, to explore this family foremost legal expert in adoption related cas- “Bright Beginnings”. the greatest gifts a child can receive. Each es in the state. He started his advocacy work building option in a supportive and compas- day there are children brought into this world as a post-graduate fellow at the Rocky Moun- sionate environment. In addition, through that may never be blessed by these gifts, but tain Children’s Law Center. He continued RESOLVE’s national magazine, family build- each day there are also children who are and to serve at the Law Center for seven years, ing, local and regional newsletters, and the whose lives are forever changed. Today, we specializing in adoption, child welfare and RESOLVE website (www.resolve.org) adoption recognize those parents and organizations education cases, often taking the most diffi cult information, including personal stories, in that have helped touched a child’s life through 28 29 adoption. I am proud and honored to recog- mtl, Natalie writes about adoption issues and However, the McKee’s, along with their two ponents of their current positions, but they nize Two Angels of Adoption from the First touches millions of Americans families with daughters, soon changed their minds and also ensure that the boys in their care are Congressional District of Florida, Paige and her uplifting message of giving and hope. decided to adopt. The McKee’s adopted two educationally improving, socially improving, Jeff Anderson. Paige and Jeff both work as Additionally, Natalie authored a step-by-step children in 2004, both who have medical and focused on healing wounds from their educators in Pensacola. In 2005, Paige and adoption handbook, Successful Adoptions: A and developmental issues. Karyn, who is four past. For example, their summer educational Jeff adopted a little boy, Germon, who had Guide for Christian Families, which she hopes years old, has fetal alcohol syndrome and focus was that the boys acquire typing as a just turned seven. He had been in foster care will unite families and children waiting to be failure to thrive. She requires a feeding tube skill. Place of Hope is a non profi t community for a year and a half. He is now a happy adopted. Natalie also attended the Hope for at all times because she is unable to keep on organization and a unique faith based, state 3rd grader at McCarther Elementary School. Orphans National Orphan Care Summit held weight. Jamar, who is three, has chronic lung licensed child welfare organization, provid- Jeff and Paige are happy parents and true by FamilyLife ministries in Arkansas earlier disease and obsessive compulsive disorder. ing family-style residential care with hope Angels of Adoption. this year and plans to spend this fall helping Mrs. McKee spends her weekdays taking the and healing opportunities for children who to spread the word through magazine articles children to medical appointments and vari- have been abused and neglected throughout Family Services of Metro Orlando and her web site, www.successfuladoption. ous therapies to address their delays. On the the local community. Place of Hope is unique Representative John Mica com, that November is National Adoption weekends, Mrs. McKee is a Hospice nurse. because it is one of the largest facilities in the I would like to nominate Family Services Awareness Month. Mr. McKee is extremely supportive of his state of Florida and in Palm Beach County of Metro Orlando and its partner agencies wife’s endeavors and is very involved with with the “family cottages” campus matrix, Children’s Home Society, Devereux, Kids David Gooding his children. The McKee’s have also been which is considered a national model for Hope United, and Neighbor to Family for the Senator Mel Martinez instrumental in bringing about legislation on foster care. We are delighted to honor and Angels in Adoption Award. For years, these Judge David Gooding is well known in the the issue of adoption by foster parents. Prior recognize Travis and Jenni for their outstand- agencies have shown a true dedication to the foster adoption community throughout the to the adoption of Karyn and Jamar, Mr. and ing acts of service and dedication in helping adoptive process. As manager of all special State of Florida. He considers all the children Mrs. McKee welcomed a three-month old girl foster children at Place of Hope grow and needs adoptions in Orange and Osceola under his jurisdiction to be “his” children, into their home. The Department of Children develop into compassionate, kind, and well Counties in Florida, Family Services of Metro and expects them to be treated accordingly. and Families asked the couple if they would rounded individuals. Orlando increased the number of fi nalized Judge Gooding is an advocate for Florida’s consider adopting the infant. They agreed, adoptions by 55% in its fi rst year. Understand- foster children, especially those being adopt- but the process turned into a three year ordeal Jeanne T. Tate ing the importance of fi nding homes for older ed. Through his position as a Juvenile Judge involving a lawsuit that they ultimately lost. Representative Jim Davis and harder to place children, it established a in Duval County in fi scal year 2005-2006 The legislation, which was recently signed into Jeanne is an attorney with an extensive and targeted recruitment program in partnership alone he was involved in over 200 adop- law by Governor Bush, allows foster parents exclusive practice in the area of adoptions. with Wendy’s Wonderful Kids and exceeded tions of children from foster care, including who have maintained a child in their home She has participated in the placement of over its grant outcomes. Family Services of Metro 52 adoptions on a single day in December. for six months preference in adoption. We are 1,500 children in loving homes, and is a Orlando has given hundreds of adoptive par- He has set aside Fridays on his docket as delighted to honor and recognize Gary and national expert in the fi eld of adoption. As a ents the opportunities they so desire, and hun- “Family First Fridays” providing easy access Jeanette McKee for their exceptional service member of the prestigious American Acad- dreds of children a safe and secure home in for families for fi nalization hearings for the and dedication in helping foster children and emy of Adoption Attorneys and the Florida which to fl ourish. Its success is felt throughout adoption of their foster children. Judge Good- their adoptive children live a better life. Sin- Adoption Council, Jeanne has been active Central Florida and the benefi t to the children ing has mastered the ability to cut through cerely, Mark Foley Member of Congress. in interstate compact adoptions and has a of our community is immeasurable. Each of bureaucratic red tape to keep children who comprehensive knowledge of adoption law. the agencies managed by Family Services of need adoption from languishing in limbo, Travis and Jenni O’Neal She works closely with adoptive families, birth Metro Orlando has played a signifi cant role and shares his secrets with others at Family Representative E. Clay Shaw, Jr. mothers and adoption agencies to provide in the lives of countless children and families. Court and judicial conferences statewide. His Representative Clay Shaw, along with Place a full range of services to birth parents and This collaborative effort deserves recognition focus is always the best interest of the child of Hope, is pleased to nominate Travis and adoptive families, and owns and operates her as an “Angel in Adoption” for the tireless and I believe to the kids who come before Jenni O’Neal as recipients for the Angels own agency, Heart of Adoptions, Inc. Jeanne efforts of its staff and volunteers working on him in Duval County he is both a Judge and in Adoption Campaign 2006 award. This received a J.D. degree in 1981 from the behalf of the children of Central Florida. their Adoption Angel. dynamic couple has served for over two years University Of Florida College Of Law, where in their role as Primary Cottage Parents at she graduated with honors. She was also a Natalie Nichols Gillespie Jeanette and Gary McKee Place of Hope. They currently provide long- member of the Order of the Coif and an ex- Representative Ginny Brown-Waite Representative Mark Foley term, consistent, enhanced residential care for ecutive editor of the Law Review. She received Natalie Nichols Gillespie and her husband I am pleased to nominate Gary and Jea- six boys in the Sawyer Family Cottage, at the a B.S. degree in Journalism and Communica- Adam were already the proud parents of nette McKee as recipients for the Angels in Paxon Campus in Palm Beach Gardens. Travis tions (with high honors) from Florida in 1978. six children, ranging in age from eight to Adoption Campaign 2006 Award. Mr. and and Jenni are top performing individuals with Jeanne was honored as the 1993 YWCA twenty-three, when they recently completed Mrs. McKee became foster parents in 2000 a deep-rooted passion to see hurting children Outstanding Woman of the Year, the 1990- the adoption of Amberlie Joy FuShuang and were not originally interested in adop- heal and overcome their life circumstances. 91 Most Productive Young Lawyer in the State Gillespie from China, bringing their total to tion. They simply wanted to help children in Not only do Travis and Jenni consistently, of Florida and the 1989- 90 Most Productive seven. As a journalist and managing editor foster care experience a stable and caring and with excellence, complete all of the state Young Lawyer in Hillsborough County. She of the faith-based ladies’ lifestyle magazine family life in the rural area where they live. required paperwork and contractual com- is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell. Jeanne 30 31 is active in many local civic, charitable and 11 communities or states across the United dren, including hard-to-place teenagers. They includes summer work opportunities and ap- social organizations. She donates a number States. Paul also served as Michigan’s Direc- have 3 birth children and 3 adopted children. titude assessment and Health Education that of pro bono hours to adoption related causes, tor of Children’s Services within the Depart- A 7th child was placed with them by a former focuses on nutrition, hygiene, STD awareness and has frequently appeared on local and ment of Mental Health. His many volunteer foster child when the child was in danger of and pregnancy prevention. Most importantly, national television, including 20/20, ESPN, leadership roles include a term as president entering foster care. The Barges also recently through ILP, they receive Life Skills Training CNN, The Early Show, Mike Donahue, and of State Mental Health Representatives for provided temporary care for a teenager in that focuses on money management/ budget- The John Walsh Show, on the subject of Children and Youth, a national organization the community when the teen had nowhere ing, job seeking and retention, household adoption. Jeanne was honored as the 2006 in Washington, D.C. and locally as a mem- else to go. After adopting themselves right maintenance, and communication and social Finalist for the Leader of the year Award ber of Leadership Tallahassee class 22 to out of fostering, the Barges asked that their skill development. The program also takes sponsored by the Tampa Chamber of Com- name just a few. home be approved specifi cally for adoption foster youth on statewide college tours and merce, Hillsborough County Pro Bono Firm of an African American teenager. They are has an additional Housing/Transitional Living Award in 2006, 2005 Small Business of the currently in the visitation process with a 14 Program component that helps foster youth Year Award, Lifetime Achievement Award Georgia year old from Fulton County that they identi- with obtaining security deposits, utility con- from the Florida Adoption Council 2004, fi ed from My Turn Now. Mrs. Barge is a nection fees, basic furniture and cooking and Florida’s Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine, Faith Allen past president of the Carroll County Foster & cleaning supplies. Through Dekalb County’s 2004, 2005, and 2006, the 1993 YWCA Senator Johnny Isakson Adoptive Parent Association and is still quite Independent Living Program, Dekalb’s foster Outstanding Woman of the Year, the 1990- Representative Phil Gingrey active in promoting and supporting foster and youth are breaking the cycle. A large num- 91 Most Productive Young Lawyer in the State Faith Allen of Douglasville, Georgia, who adoptive families. This year, she served as a ber of foster youth are fi nishing high school, of Florida and the 1989-90 Most Productive adopted her daughter, Masha, last year, is Local Event Coordinator in Carroll County and going to colleges, Universities and Vocational Young Lawyer in the State of Florida and the a truly amazing woman who embodies the implemented and facilitated several recruit- Programs and are successfully demonstrating 1989-90 Most Productive Young Lawyer in spirit of the Angles in Adoptions Award. ment events. Mr. Barge is a special education autonomy. Hillsborough County. She is AV rated by Mar- She is not only an adoptive mother, but also teacher with the Carroll County school system tindale Hubbell. Jeanne is active in many lo- someone who grew up in foster care herself. and Mrs. Barge manages the offi ces of a Richard Horder cal civic, charitable and social organizations. She has sacrifi ced time and energy to cre- large group of local Physicians. Representative John Lewis She donates a number of pro bono hours to ate a safe and loving home for her adopted Rick Horder is a partner in the Atlanta law adoption related causes, and has frequently daughter Masha. After years of abuse and Dekalb Independent Living Program fi rm of Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP. Rick is also appeared on local and national television, trauma in her native Russia, 5-year-old Masha Representative Cynthia McKinney an adoptive parent, active in adoption issues including 20/20, ESPN, CNN, The Early was adopted by an American man who im- Dekalb County’s Independent Living Program, and a member of the American Academy Show, Mike Donahue, and The John Walsh mediately began abusing her and exploiting led by two Independent Living Co-coordina- of Adoption Attorneys. He has written and Show, on the subject of adoption. her image on the Internet. Although he was tors, Robin Stewart and Leroy King, is making lectured extensively on adoption law and caught, convicted and sentenced to life in the transition from foster care to self- suffi cien- practice and has personally handled and Paul Vander Velde prison for his crimes, Masha suffered at his cy a lot easier to handle. Nationwide, approx- supervised hundreds of adoptions. Rick has Representative Allen Boyd hands for fi ve years, and her abuse continues imately 20,000 young adults exit foster care worked with other adoption attorneys on revi- Paul Vander Velde has devoted more than today every time her image is downloaded. each year. A vast majority of these young sions to Georgia’s adoption statute to make it 25 years to improving the lives of children Thankfully, Faith Allen stepped in last year adults are not given any of the necessary more adoption-friendly. Rick is responsible for and families around the country. He has and adopted Masha and they have begun tools for survival that most children living with the creation of Kilpatrick Stockton’s signature been with the Children’s Home Society since a new life together. In December 2005, Ms. their birth families are given to successfully Grandparent Adoption Program which assists 2001 when he became Director of Adoption Allen and Masha worked with members of transition to self-suffi ciency. This often leads to relative caregivers with pro bono legal assis- Services statewide. He then served extremely Congress to introduce a bill that would triple homelessness, incarceration, or continuation tance to complete the adoption of the children successfully as Executive Director of the North the penalties for downloading pornographic of the foster care cycle. Georgia’s Division of in their care. The Grandparent Adoption Pro- Central Division in Tallahassee, where he images of children. The legislation has been Family and Children Service’s Dekalb County gram has provided legal assistance to scores was chosen as the R. Dave Thomas, Child named Masha’s Law and was signed into law Independent Living Program focuses primarily of relative caregivers resulting in the adoption Advocate of the year award winner in June by President Bush on July 27, 2006. Masha’s on the needs of foster youth between the ages of hundreds of children and leveraging over 2005. Most recently as Corporate Director story is a heartbreaking one, but it is also of 14 and 21 to address and prevent these 6000 hours of representation in relative-care- of Research and Best Practices, Paul built a an inspiring and hopeful story for orphans transition problems. Dekalb County’s Indepen- giver adoption cases at Kilpatrick Stockton, powerful partnership with several national everywhere. After a lifetime of unimaginable dent Living Program or ILP, provides a host of valued at over $1.5 million. Both Rick and organizations. This new initiative will enable hardships, Masha now has a safe home services that cater to the foster youth’s educa- the Grandparent Adoption Program have won CHS to reach new heights in effective child fi lled with compassion and love thanks to her tional needs including providing for tutoring numerous awards and recognitions including: welfare services. Prior to CHS, Paul held the Angel in Adoption, Faith Allen. services, paying high school graduation fees, the prestigious William B. Spann, Jr. Award, post of Program Director at the American college application fees, paying for school from the Access to Justice Committee and the Institutes for Research, following his pivotal Anthony and Cindy Barge uniforms, post secondary tuition, post second- Pro Bono Project of the State Bar of Georgia, role as Director of Families for Kids from Representative Lynn Westmoreland ary Room, Board, books and supplies and in recognition of exemplary service, dedica- 1992-1999. This $42 million program of the The Barges were foster parents for several even Driver’s education. Participants are given tion, hard work and creativity in fulfi lling the WK Kellogg Foundation was implemented in years and fostered approximately 150 chil- Vocational/ Employment Preparation that legal needs of low-income grandparents and 32 33 their grandchildren in Georgia; awards from Crystial and David Pynne a protracted waiting period before they were recognizing the birth parents’ strengths, and the National Center on Grandparents Rais- Representative Thomas Price united with their one-year-old daughter from consulting the birth parents on challenges. ing Children at Georgia State University in The Pynne family has made a remarkable Hubei Province, in the People’s Republic of Even though their initial plan was not to adopt recognition of advocacy efforts on behalf of impact on the lives of foster children in the China. A second trip to China, this time to a sibling group of eight, they recognized the grandparent-headed families and exemplary Atlanta metro area. Over the past 6 years Jiangxi Province, followed less than two years importance of the children remaining together service to grandparent-headed families; and that Crystial and David have served as foster later at which time they took custody of an- and the importance of continued contact with the 2004 Out-of-State Practitioners Division parents, they have provided a stable, caring other baby girl. This life-changing adventure the birth family. The adoption of these eight Pro Bono Award from The Florida Bar in rec- environment to 10 children in our community. of parenthood, one that will likely continue children was fi nalized on May 9, 2006. ognition of outstanding pro bono service. In addition to serving as a foster parent, Mrs. for the rest of their lives, has been magical These hard working parents truly are some of Pynne volunteers her time to Foster Care Sup- so far. The experience has transformed them the nation’s “unsung heroes.” Opening their David Malutinok port, an organization which provides cloth- into advocates for adoption, spurring them to heart and home to eight additional siblings Senator Saxby Chambliss ing, toys, and equipment to children in need. jump at every opportunity to speak to would- and maintaining connections to the birth fam- Dave is the Executive Director at HOPE for They are shining examples and bright lights be parents who are considering adopting. ily merits recognition of such ordinary people Children, Inc. He serves on the Advisory of hope for so many needing a helping hand Today, their roles as coaches, disciplinarians, doing extraordinary things. Board for the Congressional Coalition for and heart and cheerleaders stand in stark contrast to Adoption Institute and is active at both the their previous roles when they were without Dee Sarton international and domestic level. Dave has children. But those days are in the past, and Senator Larry Craig worked directly with adoption for over 14 Hawaii the Tanakas are well on their way to building Since November 1998, KTVB News Channel years at the agency level, and with adoption new memories as a family. 7 reporter Dee Sarton has produced com- policy nationally and internationally. As an Sally Lee pelling adoption promotion segments about adoptive father of a 13 year old daughter Senator Daniel Inouye children waiting in foster care. Over the past from China, he leads by example, and he Sally Lee is one of those people who quietly Idaho seven years, her sensitive interviews with constantly works to better the lives of children goes about doing good, with no desire for sibling groups and older youth have touched in communities everywhere. acclaim or attention. Her humility, combined David and Amanda Coach the hearts of families across the nation. Dee with her love for others, has made her a Representative C.L. “Butch” Otter fi nds her greatest reward in the placement of Anne Mueller friend and confi dante to many in the com- David and Amanda should be commended over 70 percent of the children she introduces Representative Jack Kingston munity. She has blessed the lives of countless for their dedication and commitment to foster each Wednesday night just before signing off Anne is the mother of two adopted children individuals through her work with adoption. children and recognized for their skills and the early evening news. She has introduced and the legal guardian of a legally blind and As a social worker with LDS Family Services knowledge in supporting children’s connec- more than 500 children and has partnered developmentally disabled adult who was left in Hawaii, Sally is celebrating her 25th tions. David and Amanda Coach became with Idaho’s Department of Health and Wel- without a home after the death of his parents. year working with families in adoption. She licensed foster parents on October 1, 2004. fare in helping them fi nd stability and love She also became the legal guardian of her has literally placed hundreds of children in Since that time, they have adopted nine foster through adoption. Dee brings talent, intuition own, profoundly handicapped brother after homes. She is also an active volunteer with children; this is commendable in itself. How- and a sincere concern for the future of each the death of their parents. She served in the Families Supporting Adoption. In addition to ever, one needs to understand their intent in child to each production day. She can form Georgia General Assembly for twenty years raising six children of her own, Sally and her becoming licensed foster parents before their an immediate bond with children who are and, in her tenure there, was a member of the husband Abe have opened up their home to commitment can truly be appreciated. David shy, gregarious, anxious, hyperactive, oppo- Committees on State Institutions, Health and birth mothers, foster children, abused women and Amanda’s initial intent was to adopt a sitional or just plain charming. Her empathy Ecology, and Appropriations. Her service on and troubled teenagers. She is full of compas- couple of children and continue to do foster and patience come from an abiding desire these committees was marked with a drive to sion and is the soul of integrity. This year, care. Originally they adopted two children to help them achieve the normalcy they have help orphans and especially handicapped or- American Mothers Inc. honored this extraor- and fostered two brothers. The two brothers described over and over in similar ways: “I phans. She is currently a member of the Satte dinary person by naming her Mother of the for whom they provided foster care were part just want to be treated like a regular kid.” Board of Human Resources and focuses her Year. I am very pleased to select Sally Lee for of a large sibling group that consisted of eight efforts on that board toward the developmen- the 2006 Angel in Adoption Award. children. Due to the inability of one foster tally disabled, mental healthcare, and addic- home to take all eight children, the children Illinois tive diseases. She is also a board member of Lance and Patty Tanaka were split up and placed in four different the Matthew Reardon Center which works to Senator Daniel Akaka homes. During that time, David and Amanda Lisa and Roland Barr meet the educational and therapeutic needs Having wrestled with the disappointment of were instrumental in facilitating sibling visits Representative Jerry Costello of children and youth diagnosed with neuro- not being able to conceive, Patty and Lance by arranging and hosting the visits at their Lisa and Roland Barr from Carbondale, logical disorders with related communication Tanaka embarked on a quest to adopt. Work- home. Additionally, Dave and Amanda made Illinois, have built their family of three sons delays. In addition, Anne is an active member ing through a Hawaii adoption agency, they sure the siblings connected for special events, through open adoption and are outstand- of the group Grandparents Raising Grandchil- endured a mountain of paperwork, several such as birthdays and holidays. David and ing examples of adoptive parents who have dren. home-study visits by social workers, trips to Amanda also worked well with the birth shown dedication and commitment to the the offi ce of Immigration and Naturalization parents by facilitating communication be- responsibilities of parenting and maintaining Services, nervous moments of self-doubt, and tween the birth parents and their children, active relationships with the families of the 34 35 birth parents. They have integrated the birth after release, have limited ability to fi nd a He received the University of Illinois Campus Steve & Morene Thompson are an amazingly parents in the children’s lives and support foster or adoptive family. In partnership Award for Excellence in Public Engagement in upbeat, fun, loving couple who have an inspi- active involvement for the security and hap- with the Illinois Department of Children and 2005. rational story of giving to children. piness of the children. They have also shown Family Services, the Illinois Department of a strong commitment to communicate their Juvenile Justice and Clark-Atlanta School of Steve and Morene Thompson experiences and belief in openness in the Social Work, it developed a comprehensive Representative Ray LaHood Indiana adoption process through church gatherings, program to pair homeless youth with caring Steve and Morene Thompson live in rural public events, and local radio shows. Lisa and families. Its Support, Training, Advocacy and Tremont in an old farmhouse that was built Cheryl Carter-Shotts Roland have enriched their children’s lives by Referral (STAR) program provides special around 1915 and that they purchased in Senator Richard Lugar their unending energy, love, and concern for foster care training and guidance to support 1986. They spent the fi rst 10 years fi xing it Cheryl Carter-Shotts has been an angel work- family and deserve to be honored as Angels participating youth and families, to promote up and have spent the last 10 adding on to it ing for African adoptions since 1985, when in Adoption. permanency, and to reduce recidivism. to accommodate their big family. The Thomp- she witnessed the interview of a starving, Through its Mentoring and Life Skills Develop- sons have eighteen children. Four biological handicapped, teenage boy in the Sahara Dr. Jeanne A. Howard ment program and its Faith-Based Community and fourteen by adoption. In 1994, after hav- Desert of Mali, West Africa on “60 Minutes” Representative Rahm Emanuel Network, Illinois One Family One Child helps ing their four biological children, Steve and with Diane Sawyer. Through her unrelenting Dr. Howard is currently the Research and Pol- youth to become more engaged in community Morene adopted two brothers. A year later, effort and diligence, Cheryl found the boy icy Director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adop- and school activities and to develop produc- two sisters became forever members of the and was able to adopt “Mohammed”. She tion Institute as well as Professor of Social tive life skills. Clearly Illinois One Family One Thompson family. Then, in 2001 the Thomp- has continued utilizing her great spirit of Work at Illinois State University where she has Child exemplifi es the Angel in Adoption goal sons adopted a sibling group of fi ve from an caring for African orphans by founding and co-directed the Center for Adoption Studies of honoring parties that have made a differ- orphanage in Southern Brazil. In December working with Americans for African Adoption, for the past seven years. She is an advo- ence in the lives of children through adoption of 2005, the Thompson adopted a second Inc. (AFAA) in 1986. This non-profi t organi- cate for adoption policy that addresses the or foster care advocacy. group of fi ve from Brazil. “Living large” in the zation facilitates between North America and needs of adoptive families and has focused Thompson household translates as 2 wash- countries like Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia and her work on adoption throughout her career. Mark Testa ers, 2 dryers, 2 dishwashers, 3 refrigerators, Ethiopia. AFAA established foster homes in Her adoption research began with a ground Senator Richard Durbin 3 freezers, 3 water heaters, a 15 passenger Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Uganda, Liberia and breaking study on adoption disruption in the Dr. Mark Testa has performed research at the van, a dinner table that accommodates 20, Ethiopia which provide shelter, education and late 1980’s, and she has recently co-authored state and national levels to help thousands of 50 loads of laundry per week, and a grocery medical care for children, and was able to After Adoption: The Needs of Adopted Youth, children in Illinois achieve permanency. He list that includes 16 gallons of milk at a time. place three handicapped orphans from Mog- the largest study conducted to date on the has helped bring improvements to the entire The Thompson’s oldest daughter (23) is mar- adishu, Somalia with American families. As needs of child welfare adoptive families. Dr. system of care. From 1994 to 2002, he held ried and they too, live in rural Tremont and the Founder & Managing Director of AFAA, Howard has also provided training for child a joint appointment as the Research Direc- are the proud parents of a six-month old son. Cheryl has been instrumental in the organi- welfare services in several different states. tor for the Illinois Department of Children Their oldest son is a college student in Red- zation and growth of the agency for twenty Her work was recognized by the U.S. Depart- and Family Services. As the architect of the mond, Washington studying real time interac- years. Cheryl is a mother of fi ve children, as ment of Health and Human Services with the Illinois Subsidized Guardianship Waiver tive simulation (RTIS) and plans to be married she explains - “three from my belly and two Adoption 2002 Excellence Award for applied Demonstration, he led the evaluations of on July 14, 2006. One of their daughters from the belly of Africa”, a leader, and a scholarship and research. Dr. Howard is truly similar demonstrations in Wisconsin and Ten- (22) is a senior at Moody Bible Institute in philanthropist. As a mother and grandmother, a hero for adoption and foster care issues, nessee. Currently, Mark Testa is an Associate Chicago and will graduate on May 13, Cheryl has shown a mother’s love is not and it is an honor to nominate her as a 2006 Professor in the School of Social Work at the 2006. She is engaged to be married on Sep- bound by color, nationality, or culture. Lead- Angel in Adoption. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign tember 3, 2006. One of their nineteen year ing by example, she has committed herself to where he also serves as the Director of the old sons entered the U.S. Navy in February of creating paths for adoption in Africa where One Family One Child Children and Family Research Center. As the this year and graduated from Naval Train- none existed. Striving to build a better life for Representative Danny Davis Principal Investigator and Co-Director of Fos- ing Center Great Lakes on April 7, 2006. the world’s forgotten children, she embraces Illinois One Family One Child is a coalition tering Results – a public education campaign He is currently stationed in South Carolina the challenge of changing the world. As she of mostly African-American ministers who funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts – he has and studying nuclear engineering. The other stated to Courtenay Edelhart of the Indianapo- established a tax-exempt organization for the worked tirelessly to improve federal fi nancing nineteen year old son is fi nishing his fresh- lis Star in 2001, “‘Somebody once told me purpose of taking an active role in the foster and accountability in foster care. Through- man year at Moody Bible Institute where he my little efforts are just a drop in the bucket . care/adoption process. Since its inception out his career, his dedication has been is majoring is historical theology with plans to . . But to the child holding that bucket, it’s a 26 years ago, it has helped place thousands acknowledged in many ways. In 2002, for pursue a career in fi lm. Finally, one son (15) mighty big drop.’” AFAA has been supporting of young people with caring and loving his research on kinship and care, he received is a freshman at Tremont High School. The eight Ugandan children for 20 years - three families. Most recently, while maintaining the U.S. Department of Health and Human rest, ages 4-18, are all enjoying a productive are now attending a Ugandan university with its focus on foster care and adoption, One Services’ Adoption 2002 Excellence Award year of home-school. Most recently, their study AFAA funding. Those three “kids” will make Family One Child turned its attention to the for Applied Scholarship and Research. of government took them to Springfi eld, Illinois a difference for more children holding a growing number of African-American youth for a guided tour of the State Capitol followed bucket in their country of Uganda. who are fi lling the nation’s prisons and who, by a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Museum. 36 37 Fred and Barbara Freeman Ron and Bettie Gross professionals who work to provide nurturing, in many foster children and shown them the Representative Mike Pence Representative Chris Chocola non-abusive environments for children. Cookie importance of being involved in a variety of Over the past 38 years, Fred and Barbara The decision to adopt a child takes thoughtful is inspired by the example set by her parents, activities. Most importantly, they provide each Freeman have been foster parents to over planning and consideration. But the deci- who provided a loving home for her despite child with a safe and loving home. 100 children in the Madison County, Indiana sion to take in and adopt the neighborhood, their divorce when she was only 10. In 1991, area. The Freeman’s are both in their seven- including more than one child with special as a divorced, working mother of three, Tammy Mahan ties specializing in caring for children fi ve needs, requires an inordinate amount of ex- Cookie undertook foster-care training, and Senator Tom Harkin and under. They are currently caring for an perience and commitment. That said, it is an has since raised 6 other children, and remar- Tammy Mahan has made a profound differ- infant and a three year old. In addition to honor and privilege for me to recognize Ron ried. Her home has welcomed four adopted ence in the untold lives of foster and adopted caring for their many foster children through and Bettie Gross from the Second Congressio- daughters, two permanent foster daughters youth in Iowa and across the United States. the years, the Freemans have three biologi- nal District of Indiana as Angels in Adoption. and a number of other foster children. Within Tammy is a social worker and employed at cal children, three adopted children, eight Kewanna residents Ron and Bettie Gross are her home, and on the board of IFCAA, Celia the Children and Families of Iowa in Des grandchildren, and a great grandchild on the licensed therapeutic, adoptive, foster parents has stressed the importance of education and Moines, Iowa. Each year thousands of way. We support and commend the work with almost 20 years of foster parenting and equal treatment for foster children. As a per- Iowa families look to Children & Families the Freemans have done through the years adoption experience. Having started a Chris- son of Puerto Rican - Native American - Afri- of Iowa (CFI) to help them provide positive in so many precious little lives. The Freemans tian school for their three biological children can American - Irish American heritage, Celia nurturing environments for their children. As epitomize “love in action” and that is why that expanded to 50 students, the Gross’ fi rst has adopted children from multiple ethnicities a private, nonprofi t human service agency, they are the 6th District of Indiana’s Angels in adoption encounter came when one of their and raised her children according to her phi- we take seriously our mission to improve the Adoption. students asked if she could live them instead losophy: “There is no color to parenting; there well-being of children and support the healthy of moving with her foster family. Unable to is no culture to parenting; you do whatever is development of families through specialized Karla Greene say no, they took her in and thus began their best for the child.” Celia’s selfl ess dedication services that promote safe and nurturing Representative Mark Souder life of child advocacy. The Gross family has has improved the lives of hundreds of children environments. Daily, over 1,000 children Karla Greene has been a foster parent for since grown to 11 children beyond their and families throughout Indiana and serves and adults benefi t from the services of CFI. In approximately ten years. During that time adult three. Ron has frequently come home as an inspiration to many more. Susan and fi scal year 2006, CFI served 15,934 children she has had numerous placements. She is from work only to fi nd a police car in the the boys join me in sending Celia Purvis our and adults in 90 of Iowa’s 99 counties. Dur- considered to be very experienced, dealing driveway with more children for the Gross’ sincerest appreciation for her dedicated and ing her “day job” Tammy is responsible for with both young children and older adoles- care. Among their adopted children are 12 honorable work. assisting foster parents through the licensing cents equally well. In 2004 Karla adopted and 14-year-old brothers, Jayson and Daniel. process. Last August, Tammy took the initia- Louis, age 15, who is a relative. Louis was to Also in their care are sisters, Katie and Liddy, tive to do something revolutionary and started be adopted by his maternal aunt and uncle who have been diagnosed with Myatonic Iowa the organization Elevate. This is a group of in Delaware. Unfortunately, they chose to Dystrophy and Miltonic Dystrophy. As a baby, young people who seek to inspire others to adopt only his sister and basically put him Liddy ate with a feeding tube, and could not Terri and Brian Bailey new levels of understanding and compassion back on a plane to Indiana. Karla stepped control her arms, suck on a bottle, hold her Senator Chuck Grassley to the life connection needs of foster care forward and offered to foster him. Louis was head up or sit up. Ron and Bettie remodeled Since 1987 Terri and Brian Bailey of Nor- and adoptive teens by sharing their personal a handful, but Karla stuck it out and eventu- their basement into a physical therapy area walk, Iowa, have served as foster parents to a stories of hope. The objectives of Elevate are ally adopted him. Karla is now in the process so Liddy’s therapists could work with her more number of children. With two grown biologi- to recruit families to foster or adopt teens, of adopting two siblings, Kevin age 6, and easily. Today, Liddy is in second grade. She cal children of their own and two adopted increase the self-esteem of group members, Jode, age 2. She has known both boys since is now able to walk, talk, sing in church and children, they have opened their homes to educate legislators, and educate the public birth. Their parents are both paranoid schizo- eat on her own. Never able to refuse a child, teenage foster children, the age often most about foster care and adoption. Tammy and phrenics and unable to care for the boys. the Gross’ exemplify selfl essness, compassion diffi cult to place in foster homes. They offer the youth have created 2 DVDs, a website, They have consented to allow Karla to adopt and unfailing love. Their dedication to aban- these children a home and also teach them hosted a conference for foster and adopted and, in turn, Karla has been great in allowing doned, abused and special needs children valuable life skills. The Baileys encourage their youth and parents, and given presentations at the parents to remain in the children’s lives. demonstrates adoption advocacy at its fi nest. foster children to become involved, not only in several national events. If it was not for the Currently the boys have numerous weekly school but in volunteer activities, sports, and Elevate organization, these youth would not therapy sessions and see the parents weekly. Celia Purvis after school jobs. Brian, Terri, and their chil- have an opportunity to provide support to one In between the adoption of Louis and Kevin Senator Evan Bayh dren are part of Elevate, a group of teenage another, to train others, and conduct outreach and Jode’s adoption, Karla had a minor It is my honor to select Celia Purvis of In- foster children who work together to educate to people in the community on foster care and stroke. Although fully recuperated, Karla is no dianapolis, Indiana, as the 2006 “Angels Iowans about foster care and adoption. Ad- adoption of teens. Finally, Tammy and her longer able to work and has dedicated herself in Adoption” nominee. Fondly known as ditionally, for the last 8 years Terri has worked husband, Mitchell, are adoptive parents of to the caring of children full time. Karla has “Cookie” to her friends, Celia is a long-time with the Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents two. While it is easy for some professionals three adult children of hew own and all are board member of The Indiana Foster Care Association training new foster parents. As an to talk the talk of youth empowerment and very supportive of her fostering and adopting. and Adoption Association, a nonprofi t orga- experienced foster parent, many foster parents improving the system, in every facet of her nization of foster parents, adoptive parents, turn to her as mentor. The Baileys are very life, Tammy is walking the walk. public and private agencies, and other caring deserving of this recognition. They have taken 54 55 Nelda Wohlert another country to live with them, because as individual. Working from that principal, Dr. work diligently in processing adoptions from Representative Steve King she put it, “we have plenty of love to share Williams developed an operating model for this country. Many of these adoptions have Nelda Wohlert of Sutherland, Iowa opened with a child who doesn’t have anybody.” Communityworks that makes a shift from pro- been instrumental in placing older children, up her heart and home as a foster mother af- At that moment, Judy knew they had been fessionally driven to consumer driven services. including those who also were considered ter she was widowed. Her fi rst foster daughter called to adopt, and they formally began By focusing on consumer control, Community- to have special needs. The ability to place was Sarah, who was three months old when the adoption process. Just over a year later, works functions as a vibrant service network all children here, regardless of their age or she came to live with Nelda. Baby Sarah was John and Judy brought their second daughter and a distinctive support system based around needs, is such a blessing to her. In addition, recovering from major surgery for biliary atre- Olivia home from Russia. In the spring of the wishes of consumers and their families. In KAS is proud to voice they have also coordi- sia and esophageal verasis. Nelda put her 2002, the Baxter’s became acquainted with 2002, Janet Williams adopted a child from nated with several other countries, including career as a nurse on hold in order to care of a program called Project Restoration Inter- Kenya, a little girl named Abigail Agnes. She China, Korea, Kazakhstan, and Russia, allow- Sarah’s medical needs 24 hours a day, both national, whose aim is to bring Belarusian spent three months in Kenya waiting for the ing further adoptions to be made. Through at home and through numerous hospitaliza- children with congenital amputations to the fi nalization. She returned in 2004 to adopt Lucy’s leadership, KAS continues to adhere tions. Due to Sarah’s serious medical condi- United States for prosthetic care. It is widely her second daughter, Lillian Joan. Since that to their commitment of supporting worldwide tions she was placed on a transplant list and speculated that these children are second time, she has been an outstanding advocate humanitarian aide work, as well as to exhaust was able to receive a new liver on October generation victims of the 1986 Chernobyl for the Kenyan adoption community, includ- all available means to ensure agency fees 18 2005, just twelve days before her fi rst disaster. Belarus received approximately 70 ing referrals to our offi ce, one which involved are at a minimum, affording more children birthday. As a nurse, Nelda was able to help percent of the subsequent radioactive fallout getting a visa for the grandmother of young the chance to be adopted. In highlighting this care for her after she was released from the from that disaster. During the summer of that Kenyan boy, so she could visit him before he commitment, it is important to understand Lucy hospital, ensuring that she made a fast recov- same year, the Baxter’s met and hosted then died of cancer. has guaranteed a portion of every agency ery. Today Sarah is brimming with energy fi ve year old Katsiaryna (Katya) Shastina. The fee is directly forwarded to humanitarian and is a real “go-getter”. Nelda continues to family immediately fell in love with Katya. aide efforts. Through Lucy’s expanded vision, take care of Sarah’s medical needs because After Katya returned to Belarus, the Baxter’s Kentucky KAS not only helps in adoption placement, she will need medications for the rest of her learned that her mother was no longer able but also generously provides direct assistance life. Nelda adopted Sarah on June 19. Sarah to care for her special needs and was plac- A. Lucy Armistead to other various humanitarian aide causes. joins Nelda’s four other adult children and ing Katya for adoption. The Baxter’s, having Representative Ron Lewis For example, since 2003 KAS has delivered twelve grandchildren, so she has no shortage already fallen in love with Katya, immediately It is no doubt Lucy Armistead, of Owensboro, thousands of pounds of supplies to children’s of people to love and care for her. Nelda’s began the process to make her a permanent Kentucky, has found her calling. She unques- homes in Central America, has supported example reminds us all of the rewards of part of their family. Sadly, Belarus suspended tionably recognizes her gift to aide orphaned a medical mission in Haiti, secured land to foster parenting and adoption. Through her international adoptions before the Baxter’s children throughout the adoption process, build an orphanage in Haiti to be completed sacrifi ce, she gave a little girl she didn’t yet were able to complete the adoption process as well as provides educational programs to in 2007, as well as made donations to an know a chance at life, so she is truly an Angel that would bring Katya to the United States those who may not be as fortunate to become orphanage in China. In other efforts, KAS has in Adoption. Nelda would add, though, that permanently. While John and Judy await adopted. After working as the Adoption initiated a ministry in El Salvador called “Jer- “Sarah has given so much to our family and news of the resumption of international adop- Program Director for a large human services emizah 29:11,” which is committed to assist- is such a trouper for all she has been through. tions in Belarus, they remain committed to organization, company policy changes made ing institutionalized children with identity and She is truly the Angel in Adoption.” Katya, and continue to host her yearly visits to it apparent Lucy would need to resign from formation. This ministry will ensure children the United States for ongoing prosthetic care her position to remain true to her Christian are able to better understand their biological through Project Restoration. Katya’s happy belief system. After praying for other opportu- history, as well as be provided some voca- Kansas smile graces family photos and Christmas nities, she was certain that God was leading tional orientation. This ministry’s main mission cards, and her bed holds the doll she insists her to continue her work in adoptions. Adher- is to “achieve success in the social reinsertion John and Judy Baxter on leaving behind as a promise of her return ing to this, Lucy founded Kentucky Adoption of young people through a strong spiritual Senator Pat Roberts to her American family. John and Judy Baxter Services, Inc. (KAS) in 2002, receiving non- formation.” In addition, Lucy is Vice President John and Judy Baxter were not new to parent- are the embodiment of Angels in Adoption. profi t status that same year. In the beginning, of the Kentucky Adoption Coalition and is a hood when they fi rst began to explore the Their patient, yet dogged determination to this agency was operated from a makeshift co-chair of the Government affairs Committee possibility of adoption. They had already permanently unite their family under one roof offi ce in the basement of Lucy’s home. How- for JCICS. Despite Lucy’s demanding profes- welcomed the births of their daughter, Me- is a testament to the kind of love all children ever, in 2004 KAS expanded and was able to sional and personal schedules, her husband, lissa, and later son, Phillip, when Judy felt should know and feel. transfer to a separate facility. As time passed, three biological children, and she adopted inspired to open their hearts and home to an KAS staff increased from the sole employ- two older children from Guatemala in 2004. orphaned child. In the following weeks and Janet Williams ment of Lucy to the inclusion of an additional Lucy can truly respect what it means to be months, the couple prayed for guidance and Representative Dennis Moore twelve employees. Her clientele continued to on both sides of the fence when it comes to explored the new, and often daunting world Janet Williams founded Communityworks, increase tremendously as well. As a result of adoption. It is clear Lucy is not just a blessing of adoption. It was during this time that Me- Inc. in 1991 to respond to requests from the passion for children that burdened her to have in the 2nd District of Kentucky, but lissa, then seven and unaware that her par- people living with disabilities and to address heart, Lucy thought it necessary to expand her also a blessing to children far and wide, who ents were considering adoption, asked Judy the need for a new approach to rehabilitative network and arranged to travel to Guatemala. now have some hope, education, and faith as if they might consider bringing a child from services - one that gives control back to the Since her initial visit, she has continued to to what their futures may hold. 56 57 Mary Lou Berling been a pioneering guide through the open or face, ranging from sickle cell anemia to physi- examples of “Angels in Adoption”. They Representative Geoff Davis process for over half a cen- cal disabilities. She not only provides a home have opened their hearts to six children from Mary Lou Berling has been referred to as tury. Committed to both the birth mother and for children whose disabilities might otherwise around the world and created a truly unique a “best friend for people going through the adoptive family, Catholic Charities of Lou- preclude fi nding a comfortable housing ar- and exceptional family, here in Maine. Their adoption.” Not only does she advocate for isville provides services before, during and rangement, but she also ensures that all of her journey as adoptive parents began in 1990, adopted children, she helps the families who after the birth of a child in order to ensure the children have ample and appropriate therapy when they received call from their adoption are going through the process. Her journey adoption process is a healthy, informed and and medical treatment. When Tammy isn’t agency that two frail infants, caught in the began over 10 years ago as she was watch- loving experience for all those involved. As a helping her own children with their medi- midst of Cambodia’s civil strife, were in need ing a television program about the condi- mother of four biological children and adop- cal and other needs, she works with other of a home. Not a couple to away from a tions of overseas . From that day tive mother of two wonderful children placed foster and adoptive parents who have similar challenge, the Lyford’s took in their fi rst adop- forward, she has not looked back. Mary Lou’s through Catholic Charities, Representative problems. With these parents, Tammy helps to tive children, Jordan and Janelle, without hesi- fi rst priority is her daughters, all adopted Northup has heralded the organization’s raise necessary funds for medical procedures tation. Three years later, it was not the adop- from China, Nica (10), Jia (8), and Becca adoption program since receiving her fi rst and legal fees so that as many children as tion agency that called upon them, but the (6), and foster child, Felicia (7), who came baby thirty years ago. Catholic Charities of possible have access to the care they need. Lyford’s themselves, who reached out to yet to the United States for specialized medical Louisville, like the Northup family, believes Tammy hasn’t limited herself just to working another call for adoptive parents. In 1993, care. However, she is also very active in the in the enriching gift of adoption and under- for children in the State of Maine. When she after reading a newsletter concerning the high community, dedicating her time and efforts to stands how adoption strengthens individuals, was in South America, Tammy fell in love with level of need to adopt children from Vietnam, help others who are going through adoption. families and the community as a whole. a little girl with Cerebral Palsy. Ultimately she the family took home another at-risk son, Duy, She is a leading member of the group Fami- learned that she could not adopt the child be- again, without question. Two years later, lies with Children from China, and created a cause of time-restrictions imposed by the coun- they again demonstrated their commitment support group for families that are waiting for Louisiana try. Once she returned to the United States, to keep a sibling set together, adopting Tram their applications to process. Knowing fi rst- she turned her commitment to the child to and Hahn, against efforts from authorities to hand the great blessings of adoption, Mary Karen Bordelon another use, as she obtained and sent all the separate the two. Despite attempts to sepa- Lou has worked to ensure that other families Senator Mary L. Landrieu necessary equipment and supplies to the child rate Tram and Hahn, the Lyford’s paid two can share in the joy. A loving mother and Representative Bobby Jindal that she would need to cope with the disease. separate trips to Asia to ensure that the two dedicated friend, I am honored to nominate Karen has been mentoring adoptive families When she isn’t helping her own children or children would, both, become new members Mary Lou as a true Angel in Adoption. for the past nine years. She was responsible those of other adoptive and foster parents, of their family.The family’s last adopted child, for bringing Eastern European children here Tammy spends time working with birthparents Tho’s, story is equally unique. In 1996 at the Tony Brewer last year and has participated in at least to promote happy and healthy family life even grand opening of the orphanage complex Senator Jim Bunning three mission trips to Russia to serve in or- in the toughest of circumstances. She recently that the adoption agency had built in Hue, Tony Brewer is the co-founder and execu- phanages. Karen’s name is synonymous with volunteered her mentoring services to a young Vietnam, a worker met a little girl who was tive director of A Helping Hand Adoption international adoption in Louisiana with over mother who was in danger of having her child said to be age 6. Of the 35 children in that Agency and Orphan Voice Ministries located 100 families participating in LEEAF (Louisi- taken by the Department of Health and Hu- orphanage the adoption agency’s worker con- in Lexington, Kentucky. He is married to the ana Eastern European Adoptive Foundation). man Services. Tammy transported the mother nected with the girl, Tho, and was determined Reverend Cindy Brewer. Tony and Cindy are She is the mother of fi ve, three of whom are to and from the hospital while the child was to fi nd her a family. In 1996, after four years the proud parents of Jillian, age 7; Anna Mei, Russian adoptees, and lives in Mandeville, in the Natal Intensive Care Unit. She is also off trying to fi nd her a home, Wayne called age 6; Elizabeth, age 4; Faith, age 3; and Louisiana. counseling the mother so that she can provide the agency asking “Did you ever fi nd a family Joy, age 3. Through the years as executive a stable and loving home for her child in the for Tho?” After fi nding out they hadn’t, he director of A Helping Hand, Tony and Cindy future. Because of Tammy’s help, the child said “Well you have now. She belongs in our have played a role in the linking of thousands Maine has not only gained the opportunity for a family”. The Lyford’s have created not only of children with wonderful parents across the life with her birthmother, but she has gained a refuge for their family, but a place where Tammy Cutchen United States. Through the ministry of Orphan an “adoptive grandmother.” Tammy is more they can thrive. Despite rough beginnings, Senator Susan Collins Voice, A Helping Hand’s orphan outreach than a Super Mom; she is a Super Woman. all of the children are healthy and do well in Representative Tom Allen arm, hundreds of children are being helped. Gayle Knee, the director at Maine Adoption school. Jordan and Janelle are both gifted in Tammy’s work through both foster care and Orphan Voice operates a school, three Placement Service, wrote that Tammy “has an sports. Duy graduated from high school this adoption shows not only her enormous orphanages, provides foster care for children, unwavering sense of social responsibility and year with top honors in academics and sports capacity for love, but also her devotion to operates a supplemental feeding program for a loving outstretched hand.” Her dedication and has received a scholarship to Colby – he making children’s lives better. Tammy has poor children and otherwise helps children in and devotion are truly inspiring. I could not plans on going to Vermont Medical School, adopted nine children, both through private Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Myanmar, India, imagine a stronger candidate for “Angels in UVM. Tram and Hanh are also gifted in adoption and state adoption services, and Malawi, Africa, and Guatemala. Adoption.” sports and dance and Tho is entering her she has declared that she is still not satisfi ed sophomore year at the University of Southern Catholic Charities of Louisville with the amount of aid she has given. Tammy Wayne and Cindy Lyford Maine. The Lyford’s truly are “Angels in Adop- has also taken on full responsibility for a num- Representative Anne Northup Senator Olympia Snowe tion”, opening their home to children from ber of medical problems which her children Catholic Charities of Louisville, Kentucky has Wayne and Cindy Lyford are tremendous around the globe. They have overcome many 58 59 challenges that adoptive families face – from when he joined the military and deserted her. dren. The MSPCC is a private, non-profi t so- tise Michigan Family Law & Practice (West international adoption, to preserving sibling Although Dina knew next to nothing about ciety focused on the prevention of child abuse Publishing), and each year assists in updating sets and taking in older children. Clearly, the Charnetta, she immediately fi led for custody and the strengthening of families through ef- the adoption section of the Michigan Family greater the challenger, the more tenacious the and counted Charnetta among her own kids. fective public advocacy. The Society upholds Law Benchbook. She was a presenter at the Lyford’s become, and that is why they exem- Dina has raised three of her own children, two core principles that children deserve to fi rst-ever national conference on Ethics and plify the meaning of this award. two step children and is raising three grand- be safe and happy and children grow up best Adoption, sponsored by the Evan B. Donald- children. Charnetta has become a seamless in families. Through their programming and son Adoption Institute in 1999. Her adop- addition to the family. Today, Charnetta is services, the organization addresses child tion advocacy has included testimony before Maryland a certifi ed nursing assistant and works at a abuse and intervention needs, mental health the Michigan legislature and submission of nursing home in Baltimore City. Dina Johns treatment, foster care support, welfare reform, amicus curiae briefs to the courts. Ms. Linkner Cradle of Hope Adoption Center opened her heart, her family, her home, and homelessness and adoption services. In ad- has written numerous articles and spoken Representative Chris Van Hollen many other doors for someone who once had dition to providing direct services, MSPCC widely on adoption issues to lawyers, judges, Founded by adoptive parents in 1990, the nowhere to go. engages in public policy on behalf of children hospital personnel, mental health profession- Cradle of Hope Adoption Center of Silver and families. I am truly honored to select this als, and community groups. Ms. Linkner’s Spring, Maryland has brought hope, joy, organization that has contributed so much to achievements have been recognized in Who’s and support to over 2,800 children and their Massachusetts the advancement of child welfare. Who in America, Who’s Who in American adoptive families. With a specialty in inter- Law, Who’s Who in American Women, and national adoption, Cradle of Hope has found Keri Cahill Who’s Who in the Midwest. permanent, loving homes both in the United Representative John Tierney Michigan States and abroad for children from the for- Keri Cahill, a teacher from Marblehead, Pam and Randy Streu mer Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, China, and saved up for over fi ve years to adopt her Monica Linkner Representative Dave Camp Central and South America. Cradle of Hope’s daughter, Anastasia, from Russia. 12-year- Senator Carl Levin Pam and Randy Streu are heroes for children services extend beyond traditional adoption old Anastasia had lived almost the entirety Monica Farris Linkner received her B.A., Mag- in foster care. The Streu’s became licensed by services to offer guidance and support for the of her life in a Siberian orphanage, having na Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, in 1972 and the Midland County Family Court in 1994, many children who remain orphaned outside been removed from the home of her abusive her J.D. in 1977 from Wayne State University. and since that time have taken 49 foster of the United States. Through its innovative mother as a toddler. The eight-month adop- She has earned graduate credits in Adop- children into their home. They are relied “Bridge of Hope” program, Cradle of Hope tion process was arduous and required two tion Studies from Southern Connecticut State upon by the Court to assist in the toughest has sponsored over 400 Russian orphans separate trips to Siberia. Finally, Anastasia’s University. She specializes in adoption law cases. Through their efforts they helped twelve between the ages of 6-12 for summer stays adoption was completed last May. But that and assisted reproductive technology cases, children, who were deemed neglected, to in the United States, creating bonds between was just the beginning – upon being handed practicing with Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Send- become children with bright futures. Pam and these children and their host parents that have Anastasia’s records by a Russian offi cial, Keri elbach & Buiteweg in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Randy have even taken the extraordinary led to hundreds of permanent new families. It came to fi nd that, as a toddler, Anastasia had Ms. Linkner is a member of the American step of adopting seven children. Importantly, is also a regular contributor of clothing, devel- been separated from an older sister, Anya, Academy of Adoption Attorneys and has been three of these seven were siblings, helping to opmental toys, medical supplies, and fi nan- and that her whereabouts were unknown. Af- Chair of its Board of Grievances and Disci- keep together a family. The selfl ess efforts of cial assistance to overseas orphanages. With ter a tireless search – on the internet, through pline since 2002. She served as a member the Streu’s are commendable and I am proud its dedication to giving thousands of children the employment of a private investigator, of the Academy’s Board of Trustees (1995-99) to have Pam and Randy receive an Angel in worldwide a hope for a stable, loving home and through cold-calls to orphanages – Keri and as Secretary of the Academy (1998- Adoption Award. and a promising future, Cradle of Hope has managed to locate Anya in an orphanage 1999). She has been a member of its Amicus truly lived up to the promise of its name, and in the Siberian city of Kemerovo. Now, Keri Curiae and Media Relations Committees, and Tyler Wagenmaker I am honored to recognize it as an Angel in is working determinedly to adopt Anya and is currently a member of the Assisted Repro- Representative Pete Hoekstra Adoption. reunite the long-lost sisters. She and Anasta- ductive Technology Committee. She is also a It is an honor to select the Rev. Tyler Wagen- sia even traveled to Siberia recently to meet member of the State Bar of Michigan Family maker of Hudsonville for the 2006 Angels Dina Johns Anya for the fi rst time. Her selfl ess devotion to Law Section’s Adoption Committee, and a pro- in Adoption Award. Rev. Wagenmaker Representative Benjamin Cardin these sisters, and to the ideal of the family she fessional member of RESOLVE. As an adop- approached foster care and adoption four What would you do if your teenage daughter hopes to create, truly makes Keri Cahill an tive parent, Ms. Linker was closely involved in years ago in an attempt to build a family and came home from school one day and told you Angel in Adoption. the process of adoption law reform in Michi- to positively impact the life of a child. He that a friend of hers was about to be home- gan in the early 1990’s. She was also an understood that his life would change dra- less in a matter of days? For Dina Johns, the Massachusetts Society for the Preven- observer/advisor to the Uniform Adoption Act matically from a single male to that of father, only thing to do was to open her home and tion of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) Drafting Committee of the National Confer- role model and mentor. Rev. Wagenmaker heart to Charnetta Holley. Charnetta was Senator John Kerry ence of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws has accepted parenthood humbly, not only abandoned by her parents as a small child. Senator John Kerry nominates the Massachu- from 1991-1994. She is the past president recognizing his impact upon his son, but also She grew up within the foster care system, setts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to of The Family Tree, an adoption support the enormous impact of his son on him. Rev. had run away from her guardian, and at 17 Children (MSPCC) as an organization that is and advocacy group. Ms. Linkner authored Wagenmaker met Jeremy on Jan. 2, 2003. years of age was living with her boyfriend making a positive impact in the lives of chil- the chapter on adoption for the 1997 trea- Jeremy had been living with a foster family 60 61 in West Michigan with some obstacles to encourage people to take that risk and go on adoption: he was 15 and separated from his that adventure,” said Wagenmaker. “Jeremy Minnesota John and Holiday Hays siblings. In March 2003, Jeremy moved into has been a gift from God.” I would say, Rev. Representative James Oberstar Ginny Blade Rev. Wagenmaker’s home. Progress toward Wagenmaker, you are also a gift from God. I have seen many families in my congres- Senator Mark Dayton Jeremy’s adoption was slow as the pair sional district who have made a profound Ginny Blade believes that children who are learned about each other and were patiently Harold and Jan Woods contribution in adoption, and this year, I am waiting to be adopted deserve a permanent, working to become a family. Unfortunately, Representative Vernon Ehlers delighted to recognize John and Holiday loving family. She also knows that adoptive Jeremy and Tyler’s adoption journey took Harold and Jan Woods have been foster/ Hays of Bearville, Minnesota. John and Holi- families need information about the children a large detour in the spring of 2004 when adoptive parents for D.A. Blodgett for Chil- day Hays have 13 adopted children, 10 of they adopt and post-adoption support so that the Rev. Wagenmaker was deployed to Iraq dren since 1971. Over the past 35 years, whom are diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spec- they can better meet their children’s needs with the National Guard as chaplain to they have taken over 50 special needs trum Disorders (FASD). Not only have John and maintain a strong, healthy family. An more than 700 soldiers. The Ottawa County children into their home. In addition to rais- and Holiday Hays opened their hearts and advocate for adopted children for 20 years, Family Court approved the adoption case in ing seven biological children, they adopted home to welcome these children, they have Ginny is deeply committed to fi nding effective March 2005 and offi cially “placed” Jeremy seven special needs children. Several of these worked as tireless and passionate advocates ways to offer post-adoption support. Ginny is in adoption status even though his adoptive children are medically fragile and continue for adoption and to help families with children the adoptive mother of three children—now dad was still serving in Iraq. Members of Rev. to require a great deal of care. The last child with FASD. Since January of 2000, John has 22, 17, and 14—and understands fi rst-hand Wagenmaker’s church stepped up to the plate that Jan and Harold adopted in 2005 was an served as the North Central Minnesota Parent the support that adoptive families need to and became licensed foster parents to provide infant that was born with just a brain stem. Liaison for the Minnesota Adoption Support meet the special needs of their children. care for Jeremy until Tyler returned from his This child was not expected to live very long; and Preservation organization, which is a Ginny’s career as an adoption advocate tour. Another family stepped up to become however, due to the loving care that Jan and collaboration of the North American Council began when she was hired to write social Jeremy’s legal guardian in the absence of Harold have given her, they celebrated her on Adoptable Children and the Minnesota histories for children waiting to be adopted in his father when the court signed the order second birthday in December 2005. Jan is Adoption Resource Network. In this capacity, Hennepin County (Minneapolis), Minnesota. of adoption in March. Jeremy’s adoption uniquely qualifi ed for her work with medically John has provided superb peer support and Children have a right to know their history, proceeded fairly smoothly with one excep- fragile children having been a registered guidance to many adoptive parents, and has and Ginny knows that adoptive parents are tion. Tyler was still overseas. The paperwork nurse for 46 years and having worked in helped these families secure the assistance better prepared to meet their children’s needs took three weeks to complete, but Jeremy and pediatric care at several Grand Rapids hospi- that they need. In 2002, John and Holiday when the have full information. Viewing each Tyler desired so badly to become a family as tals. Harold is also uniquely qualifi ed hav- created HaysKids, an advocacy organiza- history as a gift to the child, Ginny carefully soon as possible. “We had to move forward ing retired as a construction superintendent tion that has provided valuable resources to recorded detailed information that provided with the adoption,” Wagenmaker said. “I and having utilized his construction skills in FASD families. They have produced audio perhaps the child’s only access to his or her couldn’t imagine my life without him.” Al- making their home a friendly and safe place and video programs that offer parenting past. Eight years ago, Ginny became parent though Jeremy was terrifi ed by his father’s for children with very special needs. Jan techniques and life planning skills for FASD group coordinator at the North American absence, he was very supportive of Tyler’s says, “They became foster/adoptive parents families. One of their long term goals is to Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC), a dedication to his country, fellow soldiers and shortly after they got married because her open an assisted living center for adults with nationally known child advocacy and support desire to serve. Jeremy maintained close parents were foster parents and that is what FASD. John and Holiday responded to the organization. While at NACAC, Ginny was contact with his father via e-mail and phone she and Harold always wanted to do.” Jan call to welcome these children into their fam- part of team that helped create Minnesota calls. During the time that Tyler was overseas, and Harold have always been quick to share ily. They adopted fi ve children from Indiana Adoption Support and Preservation—the fi rst there was notable growth and maturity in their enthusiasm for what they do by sharing before moving to Minnesota where they have statewide post-adoption service program in Jeremy. Despite the distance between them, their stories to educate others about providing adopted eight Minnesota children. I commend Minnesota. A key program element, strongly Rev. Wagenmaker positively infl uenced the care for medically fragile children, to recruit them for their devotion to these special needs championed by Ginny, is a parent support life of his son. Tyler returned home in July of other foster/adoptive parents and to advo- children. As a result of their personal commit- network through which adoptive parents 2005, and Jeremy’s adoption was fi nalized cate strongly for children with special needs. ment to adoption, the Hays family has had provide one another with emotional support, on Nov. 22, 2005, which was designated as Jan and Harold teamed up with local politi- to make numerous renovations to their home information, and resources. During the past National Adoption Day in Ottawa County. cians, including Senator Van Regenmorter, to over the years to accommodate their growing seven years, Ginny’s tireless dedication as Jeremy and Tyler were the featured speak- change legislation and to educate the public family. Through their advocacy and action, MN ASAP’s parent support network coordi- ers. Jeremy’s adoption is categorized as an about the impact of Shaken Baby Syndrome. John and Holiday Hays have demonstrated nator has come to the attention of adoption Older/Special Needs placement. School-age Jan and Harold would tell you that they are that dedicated families can make a differ- advocates around the country. She has pre- children are considered a “special needs just ordinary people. However, they have ence to promote adoption. For their personal sented MN ASAP’s model at national confer- adoption” because they have gone through done extraordinary things for individual chil- leadership and example, I am very pleased ences, teaching others how to organize a separation from their birth parents, and dren and have been instrumental in making to recognize John and Holiday Hays as my similar post-adoption support network in their many have been subjected to abuse and/or our community and State a better, safer place Angels in Adoption for 2006. own state. Because of Ginny’s commitment neglect. Many people consider adopting a for all children. and MN ASAP’s services, thousands of chil- teenager a risk; however, some children just dren and families in Minnesota and beyond need a stable, loving environment. Jeremy are living happier and healthier lives. and Rev. Wagenmaker would agree. “I would 62 63 Phil and Linda Heir has adopted seven boys who have FASD and them love--and this is what Allen & Karen Lin, and again in 2000, they brought home Representative Mark Kennedy she continues to foster medically and diffi cult hope that they can give to the children that Riley Jinmei. In addition to raising her three Phil and Linda Heir are exemplars of the to place children. She goes beyond being a are placed in their care. Some of the children beautiful, healthy little girls, now 10, 8 and caregiver’s loving spirit. Before opening their foster parent, and frequently reaches out to come from broken homes and having a two- 6, Robin spends much of her time promoting hearts and home to an adopted child, they the parents of the children as well. She has parent family is a big change for them. Allen adoption, especially international adoption. were an example of loving devotion as care- inspired her children to become foster and & Karen make it a point to treat and love the Though the Stephens knew very little about givers for their aging parents. Following their adoptive parents as well. Mary is an Indian children like their own, including taking them adoption before they began their family, passing, the Heirs, though parents of three Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Expert Witness, on family vacations whenever possible (they Robin now hosts meetings to guide families biological daughters, made the decision to Native American Family and Child Advocate took two former foster boys to Disney World), through the adoption process and even es- become foster parents for a crisis pregnancy for the Tribes, Co-founder of the “Celebrating and on weekend trips. Their own children also tablished the fi rst chapter of the Families with center. Time passed quickly, and before the Native Child conferences” and original make it a point to include their “foster broth- Children from China (FCC) in Mississippi in they knew it, the Heirs, with the help of their beginner of the “American Indian Family and ers and “foster sisters” in their lives, including 1999. Robin has committed herself to edu- daughters, had cared for eight infants in need Children Services (AIFACS) in St. Paul, MN some of them in their weddings and other cate fellow Mississippians about international of a loving home. The Heirs’ commitment to (she’s a retired Board Chair). Mary also is the plans. Allen & Karen are also active in service adoption and to help fi nd loving homes for children didn’t end there. After reading about founder of the Minnesota Coalition on Fetal organizations and recently included their orphaned children. It is with great honor and a young boy waiting for adoption in the local Alcohol syndrome (MNCOFAS) in Indian foster children in helping to raise a Leader respect that I select Robin Stephens for the newspaper, the Heirs decided to adopt the country. Amidst those commitments, she fi nds Dog for Then Blind Puppy (a Lions Program). 2006 Angels in Adoption award. waiting child. Although they learned this time to do presentations on cultural issues of The foster children got to experience the fun child had already been placed with a family, native children in foster care and adoption to of picking up the puppy in Michigan, rais- Tom Velie it turned out to be a blessing when a friend such audiences of the PEW Commission and ing, caring and teaching the puppy, and the Representative Roger Wicker brought them a picture of an infant boy wait- the Juvenile Justice of the US. sadness of returning that puppy to the Blind Tom Velie is currently the Executive Director ing for a family. Before they had even met School in Michigan. The motto for the Struck’s of New Beginnings, a non-profi t agency in this baby, who was developmentally chal- Allen and Karen Struck home is, “there is always room for one more.” Tupelo, MS, but his experience with adoption lenged, they had decided to adopt him. It Representative Gil Gutknecht began in 1982 at the airport where he and was not long before Ed became a member The love for children and feeling that God his wife met their infant daughter who, with of their family. As time passed, although had blessed them in so many ways have led Mississippi her escorts, had fl own all the way from Korea the challenges of raising a child with a rare Allen and Karen down a path of offering their to become a member of their family. In addi- genetic disorder became taxing, the Heirs home and their lives to children to share in Dr. Sid Chevis and Mary Douglas tion to being a loving father to his two daugh- did not give up on their son. They became their blessings. Allen & Karen were blessed Representative Gene Taylor ters and his grandson, Mr. Velie is a licensed experts at making use of all of the resources with 4 biological children, a set of triplets Dr. Sidney Chevis and his wife Mary Douglas UPCI minister and an Adjunct Professor at the available to help him and even created a (2 boys and a girl) and an additional son. were both born and raised in Bay St. Louis, University of Mississippi and the University support structure of individuals in the com- When their youngest son was two years old, MS. They have been married for forty years. of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his munity who were dedicated to his welfare. they were asked to host an exchange student They were married in 1966 prior to Dr. Che- undergraduate and Master’s Degrees in So- They learned new techniques to help their from Sweden. This led them to hosting sixteen vis starting Medical School at the University cial Work, respectively. As the Vice President nonverbal son communicate and they learned foreign exchange students (14 eleven month of Mississippi. They returned to Bay St. Louis of Tupelo Children’s Mansion, he came to the all they could about the rare disease that af- students and 2 six week program students) in 1971 and have been living and working rescue of abused and neglected children for fl icted him. Although Ed is now a young man from all over the world. These students are there ever since. They have three children sixteen years. During his tenure at the Man- living at a group home, he remains their son and always will be a part of their family. and seven grandchildren. They became foster sion, 124 children were placed in permanent and very near their hearts and home. Since Their children grew up sharing their home parents for Catholic Social Services more than homes. In 2002, he became the Executive adopting Ed, the Heirs have shared their and their American culture while at the same thirty years ago and have cared for newborns Director of New Beginnings. Since its creation knowledge and expertise with other families time learning other cultures and traditions. and children with special needs ever since. in 1988, New Beginnings has been a refuge by becoming active advocates for those with Once their children grew up and left home They have had close to one hundred foster for expectant mothers, a guide to adoptive special education needs. Linda Heir now and they were left with an “empty nest”, they children during that period. They have also families, and the salvation for abused or publishes a newsletter for families with loved still felt that they had energy enough and a become licensed to care for foster children neglected special needs children. Though the ones that share their son’s genetic condition. large home to share with children. Allen & for the Department of Human Services for the organization was founded with a mere three The Heirs’ commitment to Ed, their caring Karen then decided to become foster parents State of Mississippi and hope to continue to clients, it now assists an average of forty spirit, and their devotion to helping others for Martin County, Minnesota. They have provide foster care for many years to come. birth mothers and seventy adoptive parents learn from their experiences are inspirational. been foster parents for over 8 years and have a year under Mr. Velie’s leadership. Now welcomed over 20 children into their home. Robin Stephens in its eighteenth year, New Beginnings has Mary Lyons Their stays have varied from a one night stay Representative Chip Pickering found homes for over four hundred children. Senator Norm Coleman to the foster son that has now been with them Robin Stephens is a true Mississippi angel. The organization’s primary facility remains Not only is Mary’s professional portfolio rich, for over 7 years. Many of these children just She and her husband Bruce adopted their the only licensed maternity care center in the but her heart for adoption and foster care need a safe environment with structure and fi rst child, Rachel An, from China in 1996. In state of Mississippi, with space to house and has deeply saturated her personal life. She someone who will care for them and give 1998, they returned to China to adopt Risa care for up to seven birthmothers at a time. 64 65 With the arrival of Mr. Velie in 2002, New and recently their daughter adopted their 2 ance Committee for the Children\’s Division tion, no distinction between ability and deed, Beginnings became international, expanding year old grandson. for Jackson County Missouri. Her hard work no separation between the desire to give and to China, Guatamala, Ukraine, Poland, and has led to Lori receiving for community service its fulfi llment; the Sayers know only love. recently Nepal. Throughout his life Mr. Velie Lori Ross and for foster parenting excellence including has touched innumerable families through Representative Emanuel Cleaver the 1999 Foster Parent of the Year Award; adoption and been touched by the adoption A born caregiver, Lori Ross fi rst became a the 2005 Adoption Achievement Award for Montana in his own family. He has remained steadfast foster parent in 1985. Since that initial deci- outstanding advocacy and contributions to the in his Christian faith and his leadership of sion to share her love and special skills with children and families of Missouri; the Gover- Dr. Jack and Anita Lavin institutions that create loving families out of children who need it the most, Lori, with her nor of Missouri’s 2006 Distinguished Service Senator Conrad Burns misfortune. husband Randy, have cared for more than Award during National Foster Care Month; Dr. Jack and Anita Lavin adopted their 400 foster children. Today, the Ross family the Heart Award for her advocacy for the fi rst child, Peter, in 1996 through Lutheran is now 23 people strong consisting of fi ve children of Jackson County; and most recently, Services. Peter joined 4 older siblings in Missouri biological children, two children adopted the National Adoption Advocacy Award by the family home. Peter had several health privately, and fourteen children adopted the North American Council on Adoptable issues including impaired hearing, and other Becky Boyles from the foster care system. Ranging in Children, which she received this July. Lori ailments. Their second adopted child is Molly, Senator Christopher S. “Kit” Bond age from 23 months to 26 years, the Ross should be commended, not for her advocacy, who had been in and out of foster homes. Becky Boyles, a single parent, has been a children compose a healthy, normal family dedication, or the amount of children she has She is the youngest of 7 siblings that ended licensed foster parent since 1986 and a li- of kids that are often referred to as “hard to adopted, but because she has truly created a up being adopted out from drug-addicted censed career parent since 1997. Within that place” in foster care and adoption because normal family with a mother, father, and host parents. Molly was 8 months old when she time frame, Becky has had an upwards of 64 of their age, severe disability, or are mem- of brothers and sisters. Clearly Lori Ross un- came to the Lavin Family as a foster child children in her home. The placement for these bers of a sibling group. Creating a loving derstands the need for all children to belong in 1988. She was then adopted in 1999. children within her home varied in length from and nurturing home is only one aspect of to a loving, nurturing “forever home” because Kia was born with meth in her system. Kia a couple days to several years. Additionally, Lori’s vast contribution to help foster children the Ross family is a typical American fam- came to the Lavins as a newborn over a year within that time, Becky has adopted six of in Missouri. Since 1991, Lori has worked ily with parents and siblings of many ages, ago and was adopted into the Lavin Family her foster children. Becky, a licensed nurse, with the Missouri Children’s Division as a colors, and special abilities. this past spring. The Lavins keep in contact has always been willing to take children who teaching foster parent, providing pre-service with the birth mother. Jack and Anita Lavin need the most medical attention in order to and in-service training to foster and adoptive James and Robin Sayers continue to be foster parents. They assist provide them a loving home. Becky’s adopted parents. In 1999, Lori and her husband, with Representative Russ Carnahan children in their foster home who have special daughter, Torey (9 yrs. old) who has Spina 4 other foster and adoptive families, created It is my privilege to honor James and Robin or medical needs since Dr. Lavin is able to Bifi da, was recently selected as the National Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Associa- Sayers as my Angels in Adoption. James and assist them given his medical training. The Easter Seal’s Ambassador. tion (MFCAA) to provide support and services Robin Sayers are true angels on earth. They work he and his wife have done with these to foster, adoptive, and kinship families in have opened their homes and their hearts to children has been remarkable, and they John and Mary Maschmeier the Greater Kansas City metro area. Now, sixteen children, adopting eight, and foster- should be commended for their dedication to Representative Todd Akin over 300 families strong, MFCAA has forever ing eight others. Rather than shrink from the helping others. To fi nd a loving family is every child’s dream. changed the foster care community across the challenge of caring for kids with physical John and Mary Maschmeier have opened State of Missouri. The organization provides and developmental disabilities, James and their arms and hearts to 15 children ages training, advocacy, and support for foster Robin have embraced it; most of their children Nebraska 45-11. Mary’s involvement with Missouri families and has allowed foster families to require special attention and care. As if these Citizens for Life since 1985 has afforded a become skilled professionals to respond to the efforts were not enough, the Sayers have also Tracy and Kim Engel special opportunity to counsel women fac- special needs of their kids and families. As worked to maintain relationships between Senator Ben Nelson ing unwanted pregnancies. Mary continues Executive Director of MFCAA since its incep- the kids and their biological parents, helping Kim and Tracy welcomed Jared into their as her parish coordinator for Life and re- tion, Lori continues to work at strengthening each child to preserve a link to their past as home just after his third birthday in 2003. cently she was accepted as an associate for and expanding MFCAA programs to bet! they build their future. Mr. and Mrs. Sayers Jared was place in the Engel home for the American Life League. Mary and John have ter respond to the needs of foster families. In have gone as far as to provide a home for the purposes of adoption. The family not only wel- promised young mothers who are considering addition to her work with MFCAA, Lori serves birth mother of two their children; she cur- comed Jared, but took the time to get to know abortion that they will help them with what- as the subsidy representative for the Western rently resides with them as she awaits the birth his biological mother and previous foster ever needs they have. Mary and John have half of Missouri with the North American of her next child. Going above and beyond parents. They have maintained these connec- provided shelter, utilities, transportation, job Council on Adoptable Children. She is the call of duty has been the hallmark of the tions for Jared. The foster parents, who were placement, medical care, etc. and if needed constantly participating in child welfare task Sayers legacy, they have given generously of like grandparents to Jared, continue to attend have promised adoption for the child into forces and boards including the Missouri Task themselves where others might not be willing family gatherings, birthday parties, and holi- their loving home. This promise “we will take Force on Children\’s Justice, the Missouri to sacrifi ce. James and Robin Sayers are more day get-togethers. Although Jared’s biologi- your child” has been kept several times with State Foster Parent Advisory Committee, the than worthy of respect and recognition, more cal mother has had continued relapses with adoption placement. Including their adoption Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable, and the than deserving of admiration and reward. alcohol abuse, she is welcomed into the Engel of twins at birth who are 11 years old today Jackson County Community Quality Assur- They know no division between faith and ac- 66 67 home during periods when she is sober. The Jim and Kathy Hunter education, support and placement services, family support group with Catholic Charities adoption was fi nalized in October, 2003. Mr. Representative Tom Osborne preparation and life-long support for adop- as well as being adoptive parents themselves. and Mrs. Engel accepted placement of Olivia Jim and Kathy Hunter have adopted two tive children and families, post-legal adoption Emma and Len have been active in their and Lucien in November, 2003. Olivia was foster children and are in the process of services, and temporary and traditional foster community and their church all of their lives. three years of age and Lucien was two. Olivia adopting a third. The fi rst child that they care services, including medically fragile Retired from IBM, Len worked for years as a and Lucien come into care after witnessing the adopted a year and a half ago is now 15. foster care. All of their work is centered on mortuary assistant. Recently retired from her violent murder of their mother at the hands of He has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. providing safe and loving care to children of position as a school health aide, Emma lost their father. Upon begin assigned this case, He came to them being tube-fed and barely all ages. On average, Nebraska Children’s her battle with cancer this past June and the Kari Kraenow, the Protection and Safety speaking. With Jim and Kathy’s love and Home Society places 66 children a year state- family has had to retire from their foster care Worker, had no doubt as to whom the most patience, he is now able to feed himself. Jim wide into loving homes. Beyond traditional role. Emma and Len Schweitzer have been capable foster parents were to help these and Kathy adopted their second child two adoption services, Nebraska Children’s Home Angels in Adoption for the southern Nevada very vulnerable children through the trauma months ago. He is now 12 years old. He has Society runs Adoption University, a 5-day community for the past 20 years. We will that they had experienced. From the very hydrocephalus and has a shunt in his head to high school curriculum that raises awareness always consider them our angels and would beginning, Mr. and Mrs. Engel reached out help with this. He also has spina bifi da and about adoption among young people. They be honored to have them recognized. to the biological family members. Mrs. Engel is visually impaired. The third child that Jim also offer search services for connecting birth spent hours digging into the children’s past to and Kathy are in the process of adopting is parents and children placed through their Eric Stovall preserve this period of time for the children. 13 years old and is the sister to their second agency. Nebraska Children’s Home Society Representative James Gibbons They knew the importance of linking the past adopted child. Jim and Kathy were aware has two offi ces in Nebraska’s Second Con- Since 1998, Eric Stovall has participated in to the present and eventually the future. Over that adopting these children was a life-long gressional District, and a total of ten loca- over 250 intrastate, interstate and interna- time, the Engels put together picture books commitment, and they approached this call- tions state-wide. Nebraska Children’s Home tional adoptions. Additionally, he was the for the kids, which contained pictures of their ing with joy. I am pleased to select them as Society’s staff members, led by Executive prevailing counsel in two leading cases be- mother, father, and other important people 2006 Angels in Adoption. Director Bob Brandt, work tirelessly to ensure fore the Nevada Supreme Court involving the in their lives. They prayed for “Mommy Tina” Nebraska children can grow up in healthy, rights of adoptive parents and securing the every night before bed. Kim Engel retrieved a Amy and Lance McCord happy environments. For over 110 years, fi nality of adoptions in Nevada. In 2003 and family heirloom from their home and refi n- Senator Chuck Hagel Nebraska Children’s Home Society has been 2005, he testifi ed before the Nevada Legis- ished it, making it a center piece of Olivia’s Throughout the years, Lance and Amy Mc- committed to Nebraska children and loving lature in favor of a bill which protected the room. In addition, the family travels two hours Cord have opened their hearts and homes to adoption services and is truly an Angel in rights of Nevada birth parents who obtained to Omaha around Memorial Day each year many children, including the adoption of their Adoption for our community. contact agreements in connection with the to allow Olivia, Lucien, and Jared to place three children, Wesley, Anna and Jackson. adoption of their children. This important leg- fl owers on “Mommy Tina’s” grave. Mr. and The McCord’s have provided ‘cradle care’ islation became law in Nevada in 2005. He Mrs. Engel have also been very careful not to for 16 newborns ranging in age from a week Nevada is the only member of the American Academy talk about the children’s biological father in to a month old while adoption proceedings of Adoption Attorneys in Northern Nevada. negative terms. As with Jared’s case, Kim and were pending. Lance and Amy would re-ar- Len and Emma Schweitzer Tracy have welcomed many of the extended range their schedules on short notice to open Representative Jon Porter family members into their home and family. their home and hearts to these infants. The Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has New Hampshire Sometimes these aren’t the types of people McCords welcomed visits by the birth moth- provided adoption services to the community that they would normally have in their social ers; accepting them no matter the mother’s for over 65 years with a placement record Margaret Hall circle, but Mr. and Mrs. Engel know the situation. In addition, Lance and Amy do- of approximately 40 infants per year. As Representative Charles Bass benefi ts to the children outweigh any inconve- nated their talent by writing and performing a a successful nonprofi t agency we offer 20 It is an honor to select Margaret Cunnane niences. Kim and Tracy offi cially adopted Ol- special song for Nebraska Children’s Home programs of comprehensive social services Hall as one of New Hampshire’s Angels in ivia and Lucien on April 4, 2006. These two Society Birth Parents Day. These qualities caring for all ages, infants through seniors. Adoptions. Margaret Cunnane Hall grew children have done amazingly well, despite and many others help make these individuals When the agency works with an expectant up in a working class family in England and the horrible circumstances which brought them special and that is why I want to recognize mother to plan adoption, frequently the baby came to the United States at age 18. She put into care. This is largely due to the fact that them today. must go into temporary care while paperwork herself through college and law school by they were placed with an amazing adoptive is executed. The program has been successful working full time while she studied. She was family, who knows the importance of linking Nebraska Children’s Home Society due to selfl ess volunteers such as Emma and inspired to become a lawyer while she was the past with the future, as opposed to trying Representative Lee Terry Len Schweitzer. Emma, Len and their family working at Legal Services in Roxbury, Massa- to erase memories and forcing the children to Nebraska Children’s Home Society is a li- have offered their home to infants in Catholic chusetts, with people in poverty. After several move on. The choices that Mr. and Mrs. Engel censed private, non-sectarian, non-profi t child Charities’ temporary care for more than 20 years as an attorney in Boston and in New make for Jared, Olivia, and Lucien are not agency focused on upholding adoption as a years. The time, energy and love they have Hampshire, she opened her own law fi rm. always the easiest, but quite obviously are the positive way of growing families. Nebraska given so generously has enabled more than After she and her husband, writer Sidney L. best for the children. Children’s Home Society offers ongoing sup- 200 babies to have a safe, secure and loving Hall, Jr., adopted two children, she became port and education for anyone dealing with start in life. As long time adoption advocates more devoted to her adoption practice, striv- an unplanned pregnancy, ongoing adoption they were part of the Parenting Adopted Kids ing to create safe and successful adoptions 68 69 in New Hampshire. The number of adoptions grams in Bosnia including a program of free Like Karen, they are the true heart of most in her practice is approaching 1000. Her dental care for children since 1996. Recently, New Jersey adoption programs. clients have praised her in the highest terms she has extended the focus of Nobody’s Karen Backiel and many have adopted more than one child. Children to schoolchildren who are victims of Brian and Carman Bovasso Representative Bill Pascrell Her concern and care for her clients has Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast region. Representative Christopher Smith Angels in Adoption come in many forms. made her very successful at understanding Were it not for Elaine’s constant vigilance and The Bovassos have been blessing the lives Some are bold and outgoing, successfully and meeting the needs of adopting parents volunteer efforts, the pain and suffering of of children for years as active volunteers challenging the fi eld to better and better and birth mothers and other family members thousands of children and orphans worldwide with Angel’s Wings, a children’s emergency practice. Others work contentedly in the involved in adoptions. She has also been a would go unnoticed. It is because of this self- shelter located at St. Francis Medical Center background to insure that each child reaches consultant to foster families as they transition sacrifi ce and commitment to our children that in Trenton, New Jersey. In fact, this is where a welcoming adoptive home. Both are neces- to adoption. She has served as a guard- Elaine has earned recognition as an Angel in Brian and Carman were fi rst introduced to sary to the work. Karen Backiel is clearly ian ad litem over the last 20 years and has Adoption. their two beautiful, adoptive little girls. Brian among the group that leads by quiet example. represented children through many transitions, and Carman began volunteering with Angel’s Karen is a master’s level social worker who especially during diffi cult family separations. Bonnie Ward Wings four years ago, faithfully committing has devoted more than 30 years to adop- Margaret has served on the boards of local Senator Judd Gregg four hours a week on Sunday morning to tion fi eld services. Following a brief stint at community service organizations. She is a Senator John Sununu feed, care for, and play with children that had the Child Welfare League of America, Karen member of the American Academy of Adop- Bonnie Ward lives in Exeter, New Hampshire been separated from their families and placed assumed her present position as the Adoption tion Attorneys. She served on the protocols with her two daughters, ages nine and fi ve. in a temporary emergency shelter by the State Case Work Supervisor in New Jersey’s Divi- committee that rewrote the New Hampshire Bonnie’s interest in helping others began ear- of New Jersey’s Division of Youth and Fam- sion of Youth & Family Services’ Paterson Of- adoption statute. She has been a member ly. After fi nishing college, Bonnie sponsored ily Services (DYFS). These Sunday mornings fi ce (formerly the Northern Adoption Resource of the New Hampshire Open Door Society children in Sierra Leone, Kenya, and then were exciting to the children as they might Center). For these many years, her career has and has made presentations at many of their one in Senegal. Later, she decided to adopt have a chance to walk to the local park or centered on mentoring scores of young case- annual conferences. She has been a teacher her fi rst daughter and did so from China. She perhaps enjoy the special treat of eating out workers in the importance of permanency for in the Continuing Legal Education programs continued helping others by sponsoring the for lunch. From birthday parties to holiday children. Because Karen is uniquely able to for the New Hampshire Bar Association. Due education of two girls in China, which she celebrations, Brian and Carman wished to translate policy and procedure into day-to-day to her devotion to promoting adoptions in continues to this day. Just a few years later, offer these children a safe haven and decided practical steps, her staff moves smoothly from New Hampshire for many years and helping she adopted her second daughter, also from to become foster parents. One year, just basic compliance to the more complicated art foster the current climate for adoption in New China. Bonnie’s efforts continue in many before Christmas, the Bovassos were asked of special needs adoption. As a result, thou- Hampshire, I am pleased to recognize her for other ways. She founded ChangDeKids, a by DYFS to house two little siblings who sands of children in northern New Jersey have the hard work she has accomplished on the parents group for families with children from found themselves in an emergency foster care had the benefi t of well-trained and caring behalf of so many adoptive families. ChangDe, Hunan, China. Today, through this situation. They remembered the girls from caseworkers and successful adoption place- group, Bonnie has brought together more when they had taken care of them at Angel’s ments. For the many years that public adop- Elaine MacEwen than 450 families in the U.S., Canada, and Wings. The Bovassos took the two sisters, tion services were regionalized, the program Representative Jeb Bradley Europe with children from ChangDe. The then one and three years old, into their home relied heavily on Karen’s excellent interperson- Elaine MacEwen and her husband, Edward group has not only provided goods, but has as foster children. The girls have since been al skills to develop the working relationships Yourtee, founded Nobody’s Children, an funded the construction of a new playground adopted and are now thriving members of the needed to facilitate the smooth movement of international children’s relief organization, and the purchase of several pieces of equip- Bovasso family. With overfl owing energy and cases from local fi eld offi ces to the Adoption in 1991 after adopting their son, Jonathan, ment for the orphanage. They have also con- zeal for life, the girls enjoy swimming, danc- Resource Center. During this time, Karen took from Romania. They adopted their second tributed to the construction of a new orphan- ing, bike riding, coloring, reading, watch- the lead in developing and maintaining a staff son, Matthew, from Romania in 1994. Moved age in ChangDe. Bonnie donates to many ing movies and of course, playing with their library at the adoption center that was wide by the plight of orphans in Romania, Elaine other groups that help orphaned children younger foster brother. enough in scope to serve as a resource in the organized her foundation to improve the in China by providing them with necessary later development of the New Jersey Adop- conditions of abandoned children in Romania surgeries and foster care and other services Mary Anne Cohen tion Resource Clearing House (NJARCH). using innovations in institutional programs that ready them for adoption. She sponsors Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen Anecdotes that capture Karen’s commitment to and direct aid. She has established a model several more children and donates a large An adoption professional describes Mary children include the recent weekend she spent group home for orphans in Romania. In recent amount of her own resources to these causes Anne Cohen as “one of the half dozen most painting and decorating the offi ce visitation years, Elaine has worked tirelessly through that she holds dear. Bonnie speaks and writes important contributors to the adoption fi eld in room to create a more welcoming environ- both government and private channels to about adoption. She assists others going the last fi fty years.” A gifted poet and prodi- ment for families. Karen’s recognition as an improve the opportunities for children await- through the process and serves as an inspira- gious writer, Mary Anne’s poetry, essays and Angel in Adoption acknowledges one of the ing adoption in Romania. She also sought to tion to many. Her dedication and commitment artwork have inspired the entire adoption many modest, non-assuming social workers leverage their efforts by working directly with to these children is commendable and I am community: birthparents, adoptees and adop- who make a huge difference in the lives of Romanian doctors to improve their abilities to pleased to select her for the 2006 Angels in tive parents. She has presented countless con- children day after day, year after year. care for children. When a key volunteer from Adoption award. ference workshops, participated in Birthmoth- Romania moved to Bosnia, she began pro- ers’ Day celebrations and read her poetry in 70 71 many settings. She has mentored people of all by local pediatricians. Ann Delmedico who, worker, unit supervisor and administrative and advocate on behalf of children with spe- ages in person, by telephone and the internet. with her husband, founded the non-profi t, supervisor in adoptions for the State of New cial needs, in particular babies who are born Mary Anne has worked closely with adop- Project Katherine, says Dr. Gordina was in- Jersey’s Division of Youth and Family Service, to drug-addicted mothers and need especially tive parents, birthparents and adult adoptees, strumental in the creation of the organization. but also for her life’s caring commitment to loving care. Anne and her husband have pro- as well as professionals, to make adoption Dr. Gordina has been a frequent volunteer children awaiting adoption. Developing a vided a safe and loving home for seven foster honest, ethical, and in the best interests of speaker at Project Katherine events and cre- training program which she presented to ev- children, fi ve of whom have been with them the children. Mary Anne began working in ated an educational Pre-Adoption Vaccination ery protective services supervisor in the seven for extended periods of time. Currently, she is 1969 to make adoption more sensitive to the CD which is distributed by Project Katherine counties of Southern New Jersey, Kathleen caring for a beautiful, seven-month-old infant needs of everyone involved. She helped to free of charge. Dr. Gordina has also do- addressed the need to focus on the child, the and a delightful, active three-year-old, the lat- found in 1976 the national organization CUB nated her time to developed an adoption true meaning of adoption, and told her own ter whom they are in the process of adopting. (Concerned United Birthparents). In 1980 she education course entitled Medical Aspects of story of being adopted and her search for her This youngster has special needs, which Anne co-founded ORIGINS, a New Jersey based International Adoption that is available free biological family. Adoptive mother of her works tirelessly to meet. Anne and John also national organization for birthmothers of ad- of charge through the Internet to pre-adoptive nephew Ryan, Kathy has put into practice the maintain close contact with their fi rst foster opted children and she continues to edit the and adoptive parents across the country. Dr. lessons she has taught so successfully these son, who is now seven, and they are a con- quarterly newsletter that educates about adop- Gordina makes herself available around the many years, truly “putting her money where stant source of support for his birth mother, tion through articles, poems and book reviews clock by telephone and the Internet so she her mouth is.” Kathleen Niedt has afforded with whom he now lives. Anne is a wonderful written by Mary Anne and others. She has can work with parents in real time either at many children the opportunity to be raised advocate in the community for both adoption served on the board of the American Adop- home or meeting their potential child abroad. in a “family,” and provided them with the and foster care and makes herself available tion Congress. She has been described as a She advises families on what to expect during lifelong security adoption instills. For these to speak with prospective foster parents on “singular beacon of reason and compassion the adoption process and offers therapeutic reasons, she is really an Angel in Adoption. a regular basis. In fact, to help new foster amidst a growing din of polarized, politicized parenting techniques for children coming families adjust to the process, Anne tirelessly adoption reform rhetoric.” Mary Anne and from orphanages. Dr. Gordina is an active Renée Olson and Jim Russell provides affi rmation, advice, and respite her husband of many years have three sons. member of the American Academy of Pedi- Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. care for them and their foster children. Anne atrics Section on Adoption and Foster Care Renée Olson and Jim Russell have adopted a and John are also the parents of three grown Dr. Alla Gordina and has authored numerous articles on health 7-year-old boy from Ethiopia named Daniel. children, John, Daniel, and Alexandra, who Senator Frank Lautenberg issues of internationally adopted children. Daniel was an orphan, whose mother had are devoted to their numerous foster siblings. Dr. Gordina is a pediatrician specializing in She volunteers her time to give pre-adoption died of unknown causes, but possibly from Again, it is with great respect and admiration international adoption. For the past 10 years education seminars to potential adoptive AIDS. Many people are reluctant to adopt that I select Anne Oros for her amazing work she has worked to help families adopting parents and offers advice through Interna- from a country that has such a high percent- on behalf of all foster and adopted children from the former Soviet Union and to edu- tional Adoption e-loops to both potential age of AIDS cases, but that same reason throughout our great state of New Jersey. cate physicians in the United States about parents and those who have adopted and are was one of the things that infl uenced Renee the special needs of this underserved and struggling with issues and questions. Dr. Todd and Jim to adopt from Ethiopia. Renee and Kathleen Russo rarely understood group of patients. Parents Ochs says “She has been tireless in her work Jim met when they both lived and worked in Representative Mike Ferguson adopting from the former Soviet Union are to educate her colleagues (pediatricians) New York City. Married for 5 years with no I am very pleased to nominate Kathleen Russo faced with the task of making an informed, about adoption medical issues.” Dr. Abigail F. children, the couple sought to make a real dif- for the Congressional Adoption Caucus Angel life changing decision in a foreign, stressful Farber, Medical Director of the International ference in the life of a child. They now have in Adoption Award. Ms. Russo Is a Licensed and often openly hostile environment. Dr. Adoption Health Program at The Children’s offered a bright future and endless opportuni- Clinical Social Worker who has dedicated Gordina uses her knowledge of the post-So- Hospital of Philadelphia says of Dr. Gordina, ties for Daniel. Coming to the United States her professional career to helping families viet medical system to guide families through “Her wisdom has infl uenced the practice of having learned very few English words, in and children to heal, to learn, and to grow. In the adoption process. Dr. Gordina devotes the International Adoption doctors across our only 7 months Daniel is already able to read her current role as Director of Children’s Aid hours of her time to prepare families by nation, and has enabled us to work more simple books. and Family Services Post Adoption Counsel- answering their questions and making sure directly with the doctors in the former Soviet ing Services, she has exhibited leadership they know what to look for, what to ask for Union, improving access to information and Anne Oros on a local and statewide level to advocate and what their rights are. Adoptive parents outcomes of adoption. Dr. Gordina’s infl u- Representative Steven R. Rothman for children and families touched by adop- say Dr. Gordina’s ability to bridge the gap ence has been local, national and interna- It is my distinct honor and a great privilege tion. For the past fi ve years Ms. Russo has between medical practices in other countries tional. She is a compassionate physician, a to select Anne Oros as one of New Jersey’s held the leadership position of Director of our and the United States has been invaluable to passionate educator, and a wise and creative 2006 Angels in Adoption. A champion for Pre Adoptive and Post Adoptive Counseling them and their physicians as well. She has advocate. Her effect on the adoption commu- the children of New Jersey, Anne and her Services. In this position Kathy supervises six helped them better understand their children’s nity has been extraordinary.” husband John have been foster parents with Masters Level clinicians who provide clinical needs by better understanding their medical Children’s Aid and Family Services for the services to any adoptive family who seeks conditions and histories. She provides critical Kathleen Ward Niedt past seven years. However, their amazing help. Her philosophy and commitment to insight into conditions that are more prevalent Representative Jim Saxton work didn’t start there, as they were also a these families and children is unwavering, as in internationally adopted children while not Kathleen Niedt is nominated as an Angel foster family with Bethany Services for many she is an adoptive mom herself and knows being commonly recognized or understood in Adoption not only for her work as a fi eld years. Anne has worked tirelessly to care for fi rst hand the challenges and joys of raising 72 73 an adopted child. It was largely through Ms. the process of adopting a fourth child who during such a challenging time for children. Russo’s efforts that Children’s Aid and Family is 17 years old. Susan and Scott continue to From these experiences, El Ranchito de Los New York Services was awarded a federal and state take in TF children throughout the adoption Niños was born. The Mechenbier’s donated Marybeth Cassidy grant which enabled us to implement the New of their children and make each child feel over one million dollars of their own money to Representative Steve Israel Jersey Adoption Resource Clearing House, a as loved and cherished as their own. More get El Ranchito de Los Niños off the ground. After seeing photographs of “waiting chil- web based internet research, resource, and importantly, their adopted children are secure El Ranchito is a non-denominational, long-term dren,” ages 5 and older, who resided in referral program. Through NJARCH, more and healthy and become part of another’s home for children whose families are unable Russian orphanages Marybeth and the volun- then 6000 people have contacted the web healing process. Susan and Scott received to care for them. The home is situated in a teers of Operation Hearts & Homes recruited site to learn about all of the different facets their adopted fi ve year old at about 1 year family farm setting where up to 16 children American host families for orphans from East- of adoption. Ms. Russo has played a leader- with severe emotional and behavioral issues. ages 0-18 can live and thrive in a safe and ern Europe, and most recently from Ethiopia ship role on a statewide level as a member of They nursed and cared for him for almost 2 loving environment. El Ranchito offers fam- to vacation with these families and also have the New Jersey Adoption Services Advisory years during which time he made tremendous ily-style living with Catholic Sisters who serve the possibility to be adopted. Marybeth has Committee. She also provides leadership progress. They decided that they wanted to as full-time house parents. The home is set on established a non-profi t organization, Opera- with the statewide network of PACS providers adopt this child. CYFD disagreed. The Baileys 26 acres of land in Tome, New Mexico and tion Hearts & Homes which brings orphan who meet regularly, whose goal is to improve spent over a year, a lot of effort, money and is over 7,000 square feet completed with youth to her community for medical care they services to the adoption community. I am emotional expense to fi ght for him. Unfor- handicapped accessible bedroom/bathroom, would otherwise be unable to receive in their proud of her contributions to the children and tunately, the court allowed CYFD to place several living/common areas, and a library. home countries as well as to meet prospec- families of New Jersey, and feel that she is the child somewhere else for adoption. For In addition, there is playground, barns, and tive families. Since 2002 Operation Hearts deserving of the title Angel in Adoption. the well-being of the child, Susan and Scott corrals, animals of all kinds, gardens, corn- & Homes has assisted adoption agencies in worked closely with CYFD, the proposed fi elds, and an orchard. I believe it is important bringing over 200 orphans to the U.S. In ad- adoptive parents and the therapeutic com- to recognize the hard work and dedication of dition, orphans in need of medical attention New Mexico munity to facilitate the successful placement this unique organization and all the people have been brought here through the efforts of of this child in the new adoptive home. Less who help make it a safe, successful, and ex- Operation Hearts & Homes to receive cor- Scott and Susan Bailey than six months after the adoption, the child tremely valuable place for our children. I am rective medical treatment. Marybeth works Representative Steve Pearce had regressed to behaviors not seen since he proud to nominate El Ranchito de Los Niños tirelessly in coordinating the community’s re- Scott and Susan Bailey have been Treatment was taken in to custody. The adoptive fam- as a 2006 Angel in Adoption. sources to fi nd these children help and homes. Foster Parents (TFPs) since 1998. Treatment ily contacted Susan and Scott and indicated Marybeth and her husband Jim reside in Cold foster parents take children in the foster care that they did not “want” this child any more. Gary and Jane Smethurst Spring Harbor, Long Island, New York and system who have substantial mental/emo- Susan and Scott took this child back in to Representative Heather Wilson are the proud parents of three biological and tional/physical health issues to live in their their home, continue to nurse him back to I nominate Gary and Jane Smethurst for the four adopted children. home to live as a family member. The idea of health and privately paid for the adoption of Congressional Coalition Angels in Adop- treatment foster parenting is to avoid insti- this child. He will start kindergarten on time tion award for their commitment in meeting Ana Colon tutionalizing these children and to prepare and in a regular class room this fall. In the the needs of medically fragile children. They Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton them for successful permanency in a regular meantime, the Baileys are in the process of have adopted four physically and mentally Representative Carolyn McCarthy adoptive family and for a happy and produc- adopting another child. Through this all, Scott challenged children. Gary and Jane were I am pleased to select Ana Colon as an Angel tive adult life. Each of these children require and Susan continue to serve the community in once foster parents whose bonds that formed in Adoption. Over the past few months, my time, unending patience, commitment, accep- many other ways. Susan sits on the Citizens with the children were constantly being torn staff was fl ooded with calls and letters of tance and sincere love. After Scott and Susan Review Board which oversees CYFD’s care of apart. That led them to adopting children who support for Ana, detailing what her work in fi nished raising their own children, they saw foster children. They never quit giving. couldn’t fi nd homes. Their adoptive children adoption has meant to their families. Their the need to help children in the foster care range in age from 9 to 14 years old. One powerful words are included in my reasons system. They became TFPs in 1998. During El Ranchito de Los Niños child had contracted spinal meningitis at for selection. In September 2000, Ana Colon their tenure as TFPs, Scott and Susan have Senator Pete Domenici three weeks; lost her sight and three limbs created the Colombian Adoptee Search and hosted over 10 children on a long-term basis. El Ranchito de Los Niños began as a dream and was abandoned. Another was severely Support (CASAS) website. As an adoptee Each of these children has successfully com- of cofounders Mike and Kathy Mechenbier. brain-damaged after a near drowning at the from Colombia herself, Ana has used this pleted his/her treatment, achieved stability In 1992, they originally co-founded Niños age of one. Still another has hydrocephalus website to connect over 300 participants, and been placed in a permanent home. Scott Inc., a charitable organization that provides a condition where there is too much fl uid on including adoptive parents, siblings, and in and Susan love and permanently bond with monetary and in-kind support to a variety the brain. Unfortunately, one child died due some cases, birthparents. The CASAS web- each and every one of their TF children. They of underprivileged children and families. to medical fragility. With support of their four site is described as a “warm and informative maintain ongoing contact with each child that Through this experience Mike and Kathy rec- grown natural children, the Smethursts have space where adoptees share their perspec- has been in their home and make great efforts ognized the need for more adoptive homes opened and refurbished their home as well tives, challenges, and in some cases, journeys to support the health and happiness of these to place the growing population of children as dedicated mountain property for a play- toward reunion with their birth families.” children. Throughout this process, Scott and who were entering temporary foster homes or ground for challenged children. Members of the CASAS group use the web- Susan have also adopted three of these hard institutional environments. They also learned site as a place to communicate information, to place children (12, 9 and 5). They are in that many sibling groups are often separated 74 75 concerns, and experiences about adoption. traveled to Ethiopia to offi cially meet and law Chapter of “It’s the Law,” published by the “unoffi cial” head of the Foster/Adoptive As a social worker by degree, Ana serves adopt two sisters, Rebka and Hana. The girls Consumer Reports (1994 and 1995). He can Parent Association. Ms. Nicpon has meet- as a sensible and reliable moderator of the have been in the U.S. for about six months also be found lecturing at monthly and annual ings in her home, has had a welcome tea for CASAS list and is described as a role model now, and have not only fully adapted to their meetings for the APC, Jewish Child Care As- new foster/adoptive parents, organizes an the Colombian adoptees who participate in new surroundings, but are also well on their sociation (JCCA), New York Singles Adopting auction to raise funds for the association, and the CASAS group. Ana also reaches out to way to becoming profi cient English speak- Children (NYSAC), as well as many other or- organizes a Christmas party every year for parents and birthparents in efforts to improve ers. Randi and Justin know that they will still ganizations and high schools, colleges, foster Niagara County foster families. Ms. Nicpon the lives of the Colombia adoptees and have to tackle diffi cult issues that come along care agencies, and hospitals. Michael has is always available to foster/adoptive parents families, even accompanying many young with adoption, particularly problems distinct appeared on the Sally Jesse Raphael Show, when they have questions or need a sound- adult adopted persons on a Homeland Trip to to adopting children with special needs, WFAN and Cable Channel 13 as an adop- ing board when they are stressed. She has Colombia 2004. Ana’s website not only lets children with memories of a different life, and tion expert. Michael has been instrumental energy to spare and is always available to other Colombia adoptees and families know children who have a different color skin. But, in advocating for New York State adoption lend a hand, offer respite, talk with a birth that they are not alone, but also creates “a Randi and Justin know that the most exciting legislation through his expertise and continual parent, and help a foster parent deal with the new body of fi rst-person literature that has and rewarding path is not always the easiest participation in the multiple adoption groups complexity of their important role. been invaluable both to other adoptees and one. In choosing a more arduous route, they around New York. In 2001, Michael was the to adoptive parents.” I am proud to nominate are providing a powerful example for their proud recipient of the APC Sarah Glickman Karen O’Brien Ana Colon for her work that has touched the children to follow; a less traveled and more Memorial Lifetime Achievement/Humanitarian Representative Sherwood Boehlert lives of fellow New Yorkers and Americans. demanding route for sure, but one that leaves Award for his outstanding work in the adop- Karen and her husband, George DeBakey, the world a better place. Traveling this road tion community. He has spent countless hours adopted a little girl from Azerbaijan last Randi and Justin Fried makes Randi and Justin Fried truly deserving both on the job and in his spare time helping year which got Karen interested in doing a Representative Gary Ackerman of the title Angels in Adoption. the foster and adopted children in this coun- benefi t performance for the orphanages in Randi and Justin Fried believe that they were try. His relentless volunteer work and generos- Baku, Azerbaijan. Karen directs and man- meant to adopt children. After experiencing Michael S. Goldstein ity is the reason why he has been nominated ages a youth group called United Kids of diffi culties having children, they followed their Representative Nita Lowey for this year’s award. America (UKA) consisting of 40 teenagers. hearts and decided to adopt Chloe, a child For over 25 years Michael S. Goldstein has UKA will be putting on a benefi t performance with Down Syndrome. The Frieds adopted been in the forefront of the adoption move- Edward and Juliette Lacinski at the Kennedy Center August 8, 2006, and Chloe when she was 6 weeks old, not know- ment. In the mid-eighties he adopted his Representative Timothy Bishop will repeat the performance August 21st at ing if she would have heart problems, autism, three sons Brian, Scott and Daniel and shortly Mr. and Mrs. Lacinski have demonstrated Hanna Park in Utica. The teenagers have or any of the many other problems that often thereafter he began to practice adoption law extraordinary commitment to their adoptive raised nearly $18,000 to cover their travel, go hand-in-hand with Down Syndrome. Randi almost exclusively. A licensed clinical social daughter, Kema-Marie. They became a posi- food and lodging costs, and expect to raise and Justin were confi dent that they could worker and distinguished attorney, Michael tive force in her life when she needed them $20,000 from ticket sales and sponsorships handle whatever was thrown at them because has worked together with his wife, Joy Sor- most and stuck by her steadfastly, with infi nite to be donated to the orphanages. Karen, a they had the support and encouragement of rel Goldstein, also a licensed clinical social patience to help Kema-Marie feel comfort- native Utican, has spearheaded this effort and their family and friends. Now 6 years old, worker, for over 20 years. He has been able and secure in their home. Additionally, is supported by a creative team and volun- Chloe has developed into a smart, healthy, involved in over 2500 adoptions representing they have been sensitive to maintaining teers from the Utica area. and loving girl. A few years after adopting adoptive parents, adopted children, foster Kema-Marie’s ties to her biological brother Chloe, and despite years of infertility, the parents and, in some cases, the birth parents. by encouraging and facilitating visits. Simply Frieds were able to get pregnant and gave The majority of Michael’s accomplishments states, where most other might easily have North Carolina birth to a son they named Kyle. Although have been attained outside of his work life. been discouraged, Mr. and Mrs. Lacinski rose their family of four was healthy and busy, Michael is a current member of the American to the challenge and made a major difference Susan Livingston Smith Randi and Justin had a nagging feeling that Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA). He in a young girl’s life. Representative David Price they could, and should, do more. They are was also a founding member of this orga- Susan Livingston Smith is a leading scholar also aware that Chloe’s chances for the most nization and a former board member. He Amy Nicpon in the fi eld of post-adoption services and has independent and successful future depends serves as the Vice-President of the Hudson Representative Louise Slaughter devoted her scholarly and clinical work to on a wide circle of support and love. So, Region Chapter of the Tri-State Adoptive Ms. Nicpon has been a foster parent with using adoption knowledge in the development the Frieds decided to expand their family Parents Committee (APC), as well the Gover- Niagara County for 13 years. Over this of adoption services. Her book, Promoting again, and it was obvious to them that it was nor Emeritus and legal advisor, and is also time, she has opened her home to 31 foster Successful Adoptions: Practice with Troubled going to be through adoption. Randi and a member of over 13 more adoption groups children. Ms. Nicpon has two birth children Families, is a comprehensive integration Justin recognized the overwhelming needs both on the national and local levels. Mi- and has adopted four of her foster children. of adoption research, theory, and practice of children in Africa, and felt a strong desire chael is also an accomplished writer. He has One of her strengths is in her ability to work knowledge for working with troubled adop- to give two of these children a home and a published articles for the APC monthly news- with birth parents. She welcomes them into tive families. Smith is a licensed clinical social chance to escape starvation, death, and the letter (AdopTalk), and written course material her home for visits with their children and worker and an Emerita Professor of Social other unimaginable tragedies they could face for the City Bar Center for Continuing Legal encourages them to do what is necessary Work from Illinois State University. She began as orphans in Africa. Last March, the Frieds Education. He is the author of the adoption to regain custody of their children. She is her career working in adoption agencies in 76 77 Tennessee and Illinois before becoming a foster child that she could not give him up. biological children and three adopted chil- that they had an ally in her and kept calling social work educator. Smith’s pioneering work Brandon Richard was their fi rst adopted child. dren from North Dakota. They also are in the her and writing letters to her over the years. in this specialized fi eld was recognized by Their second and third (adopted) children, process of adopting a young girl from Texas. After her retirement from CCDCFS, she con- the U. S. Department of Health and Human Jasmine, age three, and Jon, her eight month In addition, Pat is in the National Guard tinued to successfully manage an Adoption Services which awarded her an Adoption old brother, arrived the fi rst week in Decem- and currently is serving in Iraq. Adoption Support Group with a mission to preserve, 2002 Excellence Award for applied scholar- ber 2002. Jon had been abused and was advocates in the community call the Beyers educate, support and honor families created ship and research. Ms. Smith is not known badly malnourished, weighing only thirteen “compassionate, patient, skilled parents who through adoption. Michele’s strong commit- personally to Rep. Price, but he is proud that pounds and suffering from fractures. During provide a lot of structure and love in the home ment to adoption stems from the heart. She is her home address is in his district and knows a Christmas outing sponsored by the Depart- - generally great people” with an “amazing an adult adoptee and adoptive parent who that she is highly recommended by Adam ment of Social Services, the Richards met the commitment” to adoption. Another advocate has reached out to assure that relatives/sib- Pertman, Executive Director of the Evan B. foster mother, who was caring for the brother who works closely with the Beyers says they lings stay together. She continues to open her Donaldson Adoption Institute who is a past and sister of Jon and Jasmine. The foster are “wholeheartedly committed to providing heart to foster children. Yet she fi nds time to Angel in Adoption Award winner. mother was not interested in adopting and be- the unconditional love and permanency chil- volunteer within the community. She is a per- gan taking the children, ages two and fi ve, to dren deserve.” I am pleased to nominate Pat son of outmost integrity who stands and lives Fran and Donna Richard the Richard’s home to visit with their siblings. and Michelle Beyer as Angels in Adoption. by her values. She is an “Angel” with a heart Representative Howard Coble It was not long before Austin and Dystanie as big as her wings. It is our pleasure to nominate Fran and Donna joined Jon and Jasmine as (adopted) chil- Marvin and Joan Hamm Richard for their commitment to children. dren in the Richard household. Along the Senator Kent Conrad James and Madeline Morgan They have adopted fi ve children in addition way, Mr. Richard would remind his wife that Senator Byron Dorgan Representative Ted Strickland to each having reared children of their own. because of their difference in ages (he is 70 Marvin and Joan Hamm have been licensed James and Madeline Morgan have demon- Prior to the addition of their adopted children, and she is 45) that there was a real possibili- foster parents in North Dakota for 29 years, strated their selfl ess commitment to children. Fran Richard had three biological children, ty that she may be rearing the children alone. and during that time, they have served as James and Madeline have been licensed Jeff, John, and Laura. Donna Richard had That thought never scared Mrs. Richard. Her foster parents to more than 150 children. In foster parents and approved adoptive par- two biological children, Casey and Shelly. response was that she was not scared and 1997, the Hamms received the North Dakota ents for Mahoning County Children Services The couple shared one child together, Har- that there was nothing else that she wanted in Foster Family of the Year Award. since 1998. During this time, they have had rison. After Mr. and Mrs. Richard married life except to make her babies and children 16 foster children, and parented several and became the parents of Harrison, they happy. When asked if the children had been sibling groups in their home. The fi rst child realized that they did not want him to grow a handful, she said “yes.” When asked if it Ohio they adopted was placed in their home as up by himself. Originally, they had talked had been awful, she said “sometimes, yes, a foster child on 2/12/98. In addition, the about international adoption, but realized but the good outweighs the bad.” Mr. and Sheryl Linne Morgan’s have four birth children, ranging that the process could take years, and they Mrs. Richard described their relationship with Representative Jean Schmidt in age from 4-16. The story of their involve- were not willing to wait. They literally talked the children as equal partners, equal in the Sheryl has served on the Board of the Chil- ment with a sibling group of four inspires us about it everyday. In the meantime, the good and the bad, not that there appears to dren’s Home of Northern Kentucky for 12 all. Three siblings were placed in their home couple discussed being foster parents. As be much of the bad when they describe their years. Two years ago she established her own in February 2000. The fourth sibling joined Ms. Richard described herself, her heart is family. They positively beam. adoption agency in Hyde Park, a suburb of them eight months later in November. During easy to break, and it would be hard for her Cincinnati. She is an adoptive mother and al- the time the agency worked towards reunifi ca- to have to “give back” a child. Ms. Richard ways makes herself available to birth parents, tion with family, the children went to live with said that as long as she could remember, the North Dakota adoptive parents, and the child. a relative. However, they soon returned to the air that she breathes is about “little people.” Morgan family due to the inability of the care- Mr. Richard totally supported his wife in her Patrick and Michelle Beyer Michele Melnick giver to care for four children. The Morgan desire to have more “little people” in the Representative Earl Pomeroy Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones welcomed the children back with open arms. home, although their biological families from Living a life of service is not a strange Michele Melnick “Lives and Breathes the When the agency decided to seek perma- previous marriages were almost grown. The concept for Pat and Michelle Beyer of North World of Adoption.” Michele Melnick has nent custody through the court, James and family completed classes and the licensing Dakota. The Beyers have been licensed with been a dedicated adoption social worker and Madeline did not hesitate in their decision to process for foster parents through the Rowan North Dakota Professional Association of supervisor for 25 plus years at the Cuyahoga adopt. In August 2005, the Morgan family County Department of Social Services. They Treatment Homes (PATH) for almost 7 years. County Department of Children and Family adopted all four children, bringing their total had been licensed only a few months when During that time, Pat and Michelle have Services (CCDCFS). Michele always strived number of children in this family to nine! The a twenty-one month old child, a drug baby, participated in many adoption and foster to move things along in the most expeditious Morgans’ involvement in these children lives was placed with the family. He could not talk care programs including treatment foster care manner and to serve in the best interest of the is remarkable. The sibling group was a chal- or stand. With their love, the child has come and the SAFE program, which allows children children in her care. Michele regarded her lenging one with behaviors at home and at a long way, although at times it was a battle whose families are in crisis to temporarily job as a privilege to serve those of us who school, ADHD, and one mentally disable child to keep him moving forward because of the stay in a safe home, and have continued to are the most vulnerable. She took a personal who attends special classes. They willingly nature of his problems. Mrs. Richard knew keep in touch with many of the children for interest in getting to know the children on her transport the children to medical and counsel- after several months of caring for him as a whom they have cared. The Beyers have two workers’ caseloads and these kids also knew ing appointments. They have worked in a 78 79 proactive manner for these children providing She attends pre-school and is excelling at reading improvement, gifted, child nutrition, requires lawyers to seek in-court signatures their children with many happy memories, everything she tries. In December 2004, our school safety and student intervention. Jane from birth mothers on adoption forms. These including several trips to New York, visits to 4th daughter was born, Gracie. She is the served on the Governing Board of the Na- signatures provide protection and certainty Chuck-E-Cheese, and participation in family girls’ biological sister and was welcomed in tional Association for the Education of Young for the rights of the mother, as well as the gatherings. James and Madeline Morgan our home in April 2005. Gracie is beautiful, Children from 1997-2005, and as president child. Mike continually fi ghts for higher ethi- have shown their boundless love and tireless happy, loving and is always smiling. She is a of the organization from 2002-2004. Prior cal and legal standards in adoption and is a efforts on behalf of children by adopting all real joy and we thank God everyday for her. to becoming an Associate Superintendent, strong advocate of educating the public about four siblings. They are a wonderful, sup- She was recently diagnosed with the Mito- Jane served as the Chief of Staff and Policy adoption. He conducts seminars related to portive family. I am proud to select them as chondria muscle disease. Sheri is very de- Director for the Governor’s Ohio Family and adoption for children’s organizations and has “Angels in Adoption”. termined to meet all the needs of our children. Children First Initiative. Through this endeavor, recently begun to provide training specifi cally She is heavily involved in their therapy, their she led efforts that built collaborations at the for adoption of Native American children. He Sheri Nash schooling, and their extracurricular activi- state and county levels to support improved and his wife, Debbie, have also written an Senator Mike DeWine ties. Sheri feels she would be able to better services to children and youth. In 1992, Jane instruction course for conducting home stud- Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Sheri meet all of the children’s special needs if she was instrumental in the establishment of ODE’s ies for the adoption process. Mike says his experienced many situations that helped her was at home with them. She takes Gracie to Division of Early Childhood Education, the motivation for being an advocate for children become the dedicated and passionate person physical therapy twice a week, occupational nation’s fi rst in a state department of educa- comes from seeing daily the strong desire she is today. At a young age, she met a therapy and speech therapy once a week. tion. Jane’s collaborative leadership helped to they have to be part of a loving, permanent family involved with foster care. It made an Sheri is a strong advocate for all our children propel Ohio in leading the nation in support family. It is because of his service, dedication impression. She saw these children and the needs and will not stop trying until she gets of state-funded Head Start and in childcare and passion for helping children that I am diffi culties they faced. Sheri saw a need. At what is best for them. The greatest thing partnership programs. In addition to her ca- proud to honor Michael Nomura as my 2006 about the same time, Sheri’s Grandfather was about Sheri is that she never stops trying and reer with the state, Jane has been a classroom Angel in Adoption. diagnosed with a genetic illness, Huntington’s always has a smile on her face and is willing teacher at the preschool, elementary, and ju- disease. Twenty-fi ve years later, Sheri contin- to try again and again until she fi nds what nior high school levels. She has taught regular ues to follow the path she imagined back in works best for the kids. It has been a long education, special education, and adult basic Oregon 6th grade. She has become an advocate and and diffi cult journey, but we truly hope we literacy education. Jane now spends a lot of leader for her two most important passions: will be able to continue to meet the needs of time at her daughters’ school, soccer games, Katherine Hilsinger special needs adoption and Huntington’s our children through assistance from our fam- the pool, Girl Scouts and whatever new activ- Representative Greg Walden disease. Sheri and her husband, Jeff Pitt- ily/friends, continued Attachment Therapy, ity her daughters want to experience Katherine Leigh Hilsinger, MD, has been a man, have adopted four natural sisters from and ongoing assistance from professionals. strong advocate for adoption and all preg- foster care over the last four years. They On the positive side, they are doing won- nancy options throughout her years in the adopted Elizabeth, June, and Lisa in 2003 derfully in school and show few behaviors Oklahoma medical fi eld. Two and a half years ago, and adopted Gracie in 2004. Each of these there. Sheri is the greatest friend, greatest she was unexpectedly approached by a 16 children have their own struggles and Sheri wife, greatest mother, and an extraordinary Michael Nomura year old girl to adopt her unborn baby boy. has been unwavering in her commitment person. We are all lucky to have her as a Senator James M. Inhofe After 10 years of working as an OB/GYN to help these children learn and grow. The part of our life. Michael Nomura knows fi rsthand a child’s at Merle-West Medical Center in Klamath family has faced a number of heart-wrenching need to grow up in loving family, and has Falls, she has assisted in over 7,000 births psychiatric and medical diagnoses. More Dr. Jane Wiechel dedicated his life to helping children fi nd and seen many adoptions occur fi rst hand. than one time, Sheri has been told, “there is Senator George V. Voinovich permanency and security in adoptive families. However, she had never dreamed of being little left to do” and “we don’t know how to Dr. Jane Wiechel is a long time advocate for He is co-director of Heritage Family Services asked to adopt a baby herself, as she is a help you…” Yet, Sheri continues in her deter- children and ensuring they have a great start in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which provides adoption single professional woman. She was thrilled mination to make a difference for her children in life. Jane understands the importance of services such as home studies and placements to be given this opportunity and, six days offering them the life and love that every child reaching children during the fi rst few years for adoptive families and counseling for birth after the initial contact with the birth mother, deserves. Her example has inspired many of life as a way to increase their chances parents. He also serves as the president of welcomed Douglas into the world. Katherine friends and family members to become part of at achieving success in life. Within the past the Oklahoma Adoption Coalition, is actively is very grateful to Douglas’ birth mother for her support network. Sheri hopes to continue year, Jane became a new mom of two beauti- involved with the Oklahoma Department of her selfl ess act of love that provided a caring, to educate and advocate for the needs of ful daughters, Ciara (age 10) and Olivia Human Services, and is former director of stable home for him. His birth mother has re- others- through HD and adoption. It’s very (age 8) who she adopted. In her professional two Oklahoma residential facilities for chil- cently given birth to a girl, and Katherine and diffi cult to reach them on any emotional level life, Jane is currently the Associate Superin- dren, the Baptist Children’s Home and the Douglas are both very excited that he has and they seem to have no true reciprocal tendent for the Center for Students, Families, Sand Springs Home. Mike hopes to continue a little sister. Katherine feels honored to be relationships. Fortunately, Lisa was only 15 and Communities at the Ohio Department to improve adoption practices in Oklahoma nominated as an angel, but believes that the months old when she moved in with us and of Education (ODE). In this capacity she through legislation. Appointed by the Okla- true angel in her adoption story is the birth was not subjected to all the abuse and neglect provides leadership for the offi ces of school homa Speaker of the House to the Adoption mother who gave her the opportunity to have that the older girls were. Lisa is doing won- readiness solutions group, early learning Law Reform Committee, he has already been Douglas as a member of her family. derfully. She is very loving, caring and smart. and school readiness, exceptional children, instrumental in writing a state law which 80 81 Adopting Douglas has been the best thing to was only one of three in the United States biological daughters. Since she fi rst became a happen to her, and he is an incredible enrich- designed to train therapists in the special Pennsylvania foster parent in 1989, Sadie has fostered ap- ment to her life. needs of adoptive families and children. She proximately 137 children, offering them all a Christian and Susan Bayer was honored for her contribution in 2004 by caring, healthy environment rooted in her pa- Representative Charles Dent Claudia Hutchison the Portland State University Graduate School tience, warmth and unconditional love. With I am honored to nominate Christian and Representative Earl Blumenauer of Education Community Partner Award of her upbeat attitude and strong moral values, Susan Bayer for the 2006 Angels in Adoption I am honored to nominate Claudia Hutchison Appreciation. Since that time, Ms. Hutchison Sadie’s love has infl uenced children who lived award. Mr. and Mrs. Bayer undoubtedly for the Angels in Adoption Award 2006 in has consulted with other states and trained at with dozens of families and care-givers before merit this distinction and noteworthy honor. recognition of the many years she has worked state and national conferences on the pro- her, as well as children with numerous behav- They have selfl essly raised three children, all tirelessly on behalf of foster and adopted gram model of ORPARC and the Certifi cate ior disorders. By providing unfailing faith and of whom are adopted. Their dedication to children in Oregon. Ms. Hutchison began Program. Ms. Hutchison’s dedication to the support to her children, she has managed to enriching the lives of children in need serves her work in the fi eld of adoption in 1986 fi eld of adoption and foster care led her and reach children who could not be reached by as an example for constituents throughout the through the Oregon Special Needs Adoption her husband to become foster parents. They anyone before her. Sadie is currently caring 15th District of Pennsylvania. Since 1990, the Coalition of the Boys and Girls Aid Society of still remain in close contact with a former for four girls: two adopted daughters, a pre- Bayer family has welcomed children in need Oregon. From 1986 to 1999 Ms. Hutchison foster son who is grown and has a family of adoptive daughter and a foster child. She is a into their hearts and home. During this time served as the manager of the Coalition, a his own. In her days at ORPARC, Ms. Hutchi- full-time homemaker and mother who enjoys the Bayers have demonstrated an unwavering private-public partnership dedicated to the son frequently came into contact with families doing various activities with her daughters, commitment to building a loving family. recruitment and preparation of adoptive fami- whose adoptions she had helped facilitate including camping and attending sporting They currently have adopted three children lies for children in state care. She worked and she consistently remembered them with events and church. A resident of Farrell, - Michelle, Kimberly, and Vincent. Each to place waiting children with families and fondness. She is known and respected by Pennsylvania, Sadie keeps active in her com- adoption has been a unique experience for she created and edited “Family Matters,” a adoption professionals throughout the state munity by serving as a member of the Farrell both the Bayers and the child that they have newsletter which provides foster and adoptive and nationally. Ms. Hutchison’s work has Area School Board, the Mercer County Foster made part of their family. In 1990, the Bayers families throughout the state with valuable in- not only touched adoption professionals, but Association and the Pennsylvania State Foster adopted their daughter Michelle through a formation. The newsletter publicizes upcoming many adoptive parents and children across Parent Association. She is also a volunteer at closed adoption which meant that they did events; features a photo-listing of waiting chil- the State of Oregon. While now retired, Ms. her church, where she teaches Sunday school. not have any contact with her birth parents. dren, and an article by an expert in the fi eld Hutchison continues to contribute to ORPARC Four years later, in 1994, when they adopted working with children with special needs. As by providing materials to the lending library Garry and Becky Krentz their second daughter, Kimberly, they chose part of Ms. Hutchison’s efforts at The Coali- and by writing information packets on sub- Senator Rick Santorum an open adoption process which has fostered tion she was an instrumental and infl uential jects central to the needs of adoptive families. It is an honor to select Mr. and Mrs. Garry an open relationship between their family force working on several legislative initiatives Ms. Hutchison has published several parent- and Becky Krentz of Lancaster County, and Kimberly’s birth parents. More recently and helped to garner approval of the Oregon ing and adoption related articles in newspa- Pennsylvania. Already the parents of two in 2004, the Bayers welcomed an older Family Insurance Act of 1991, guarantee- pers and magazines and has been honored biological daughters, Garry and Becky child, Vincent, into their family. Faced with ing equal access to health insurance for all by the Northwest Adoptive Families Associa- opened their home to three young sisters and different challenges in each of the adoptions, adopted children. Ms Hutchison secured three tion as the Adoption Professional of the Year. became foster parents. As foster parents they the Bayers have recognized the needs of Adoption Opportunities grants, including one Today, Ms. Hutchison continues her life’s work were expected to perform all the functions of each of their children and made providing that initiated the adoption education and re- and passion as a private adoption consultant birth parents when children are in their care, a loving, supportive and stable family their cruitment publication which the state has con- and volunteers by serving on the adoption including meeting the child’s health, school, priority. Through their tireless efforts, Mr. and tinued to fund since the grant ended in 1993. committees for the Oregon Department of and parental guidance needs. They were Mrs. Bayer have established a strong and In 1999 Ms. Hutchison was named the fi rst Human Services (DHS), Child Welfare, on surprised to discover bureaucratic diffi culties loving connection within their own family and Program Director for the Oregon Post Adop- several DHS policy review committees, on which added unnecessary complexities to the throughout their community. The Bayer family tion Resource Center (ORPARC), an organiza- many Sensitive Issues Adoption Committees, extraordinarily noble task of taking care of is actively involved in Catholic Charities, tion which provides Oregon adoptive families and has testifi ed in court as an expert wit- the three children they welcomed in to their Diocese of Allentown, Lehigh County Children a variety of free services. She served in this ness in child welfare cases. Ms. Hutchison is home. Garry, the chairman of the Pennsyl- and Youth, and the Pennsylvania Statewide capacity beginning with ORPARC’s inception regarded as a tireless advocate for adoptive vania Foster Parent Association’s legislative Adoption Network (SWAN). The indelible in 1999 until her retirement in 2005. For the and foster care children and is an asset to committee saw many foster parents become imprint the Bayers have made on the lives of past seven years, Ms. Hutchison has helped our community. She is highly regarded as a frustrated when dealing with the government’s their adopted children and their community build ORPARC into a model that other states community treasure and stalwart warrior for unnecessary red tape surrounding the foster shows that the love and dedication of a few throughout the country have imitated. She has children and their adoptive/foster. care and adoption process. All the research can change the lives of many. been invited to speak at national conventions pointed to the same conclusion, the diffi cult on post-adoption services and programs. At experiences of foster families were leading to Sadie Benham ORPARC, Ms. Hutchison formed a collabora- fewer parents becoming involved and fewer Representative Melissa Hart tion of community partners to create a post- staying in the system. This obviously had a As a single parent, Sadie has helped raise graduate certifi cate program in adoption ther- strain on the foster care system, and Garry hundreds of children in need as well her three apy at Portland State University. This program went to Harrisburg to address this problem. 82 83 Under the old system, foster parents had few morals, and work ethic are what has caused University of Pittsburgh and Doctorate of Edu- tion Horizons with Grace Burrows in 1989. rights to act on behalf of the child for whom Mary to stand out so vividly. Working with cation from NOVA Southeastern University. She also serves as an advocate for children they were caring when they saw problems. children is Mary’s life passion, and she has Dr. McDaniel-Lowe remains the President and and adults with disabilities. Cindy and her Garry, who felt that foster parents should certainly embraced the role of a true heroin Chief Executive Offi cer of A Second Chance, husband Peter Vriens are the loving parents be able to care for and protect their foster and inspirational fi gure to all that know her Inc. as she now serves as a Children’s De- of three children, Corinne (23), Nathan (21) children, sought legislation that placed more and her story. fense Fund Advisor, Trustee of Casey Family and Andrew (19). Corinne and Nathan were emphasis on addressing the concerns of both Programs and Jim Casey Youth Opportunities both adopted from Korea. Guided by their the children and the foster parents. The result Dr. Sharon McDaniel-Lowe Initiative. personal experiences, Cindy and all those was the Resource Family Care Act, sponsored Representative Mike Doyle associated with Adoption Horizons provide by Pennsylvania State Representative Dave Dr. Sharon McDaniel-Lowe grew up in kinship Michelle Quarles support and guidance to adoptive families Hickernell. This bill gives foster parents more foster care in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Senator Arlen Specter during every stage of the adoption process. input into the life decisions made on behalf non-blood relatives (fi ctive kin) after her moth- In 1990 Michelle Quarles, then a hair stylist, Cindy Vriens and Adoption Horizons have of the children in their care, and more clearly er died and her father decided that his young became friendly with one of her clients, a developed strong relationships with partner defi nes the responsibilities of social service children would fare better in foster care. She social worker for the Philadelphia Department agencies throughout the country and offer a agencies to foster families. The bill was earned a Bachelor of Administration of Justice of Welfare who stunned her by revealing wide range of resources that allow them to signed into law on November 22, 2005. Rep. from Pennsylvania State University on time, that adoption was not, as Quarles believed, assist prospective adoptive parents from start Hickernell stated that this legislation would despite changing majors which appeared to only for wealthy, married women. After go- to fi nish. Through her love and generosity, have never been signed into law so quickly if place her at a disadvantage academically. ing through training and learning about the Cindy Vriens has made a huge difference in it was not for the effort, determination, com- However, devoted to her goals, the young thousands of children around the country the lives of countless families and children passion and patience of Garry Krentz. His woman graduated from the Main Campus of who needed to be adopted, Quarles visited – and our community is stronger for it. I am truly selfl ess work is helping ensure that the the university. Upon graduation, she became National Adoption Center in Philadelphia and honored to select her for this well deserved more than 22,000 children in Pennsylvania a caseworker and, later became a supervi- fell in love with not quite two-year-old Brenton. recognition. who are in need of a good home fi nd one. sor in local foster care agencies. At this time, She scribbled across his photo-- “I want him.” Garry’s advocacy skills are recognized and this young professional became an emerging Within a few months, Brenton became her respected throughout the child welfare com- leader and pioneer advocate for improved son. Three years later, she adopted again. Puerto Rico munity as well as the political arena. He has permanency outcomes for children and fami- This time it was two-year-old Anthony. A not stopped at the state level, as he has now lies. Notably, she assisted and supported a couple of years later, she added two sis- Hogar Cuña San Cristobal brought his concerns to the federal govern- vast number of couples and single parents ters—Carrie, now 10, and Channell, now Representative Luis Fortuno ment and is seeking similar success. Garry seeking to adopt. Moreover, she has opened 12, to her family. Since adopting, Quarles Hogar Cuña San Cristobal deserves recogni- and Becky are convinced the same clear com- pathways for thousands of families to exit the has dedicated her life to her family and to tion for their work with neglected and abused mon sense policy will help to ensure the half child welfare system through kinship adop- encouraging others to adopt. She participates children in Puerto Rico. They are the fi rst and million children in care across the country will tions. Furthermore, as she witnessed dispar- in videos which are shown to potential adopt- only organization, on the island, that have li- always have a place to call home. Garry and ity between the large number of children ers, makes media appearances, speaks at cense to do adoptions and provides a tempo- Becky’s contribution to the welfare of children requiring out-of-home placement and the community meetings and has joined the Board rary home for children who are waiting for a in need reaches well beyond their three foster availability of kin to provide such care, Dr. of the National Adoption Center, spread- new life through adoption. Hogar Cuña was children, which they recently adopted, as their McDaniel-Lowe sought to increase resources ing the word about waiting children. “These created out of a desperate need for children, efforts will also have an effect on thousands for children and youth through kinship care. children,” she says, “are our future doctors, who often remained in temporary situations of lives in the future. Hence, out of these concerns and her own ex- lawyers, teachers and astronauts. With love and who were never placed in a stable, per- periences in search of stability - a vision was and caring, they have no limits.” manent family. Hogar Cuña services children Mary McCann born. A Second Chance, Inc. is a Pittsburgh from all areas of Puerto Rico; the majority Representative Curt Weldon community-based organization founded by Cindy Vriens of whom are referred by the Department of Mary has worked for LCFS for 18 years. Dr. Sharon McDaniel-Lowe in 1994 as a kin- Representative Todd Platts Family in Puerto Rico. They also work closely Her incredible tenure includes the following ship foster care agency. This organization has Reason for Selection: Cindy Vriens is the with women who have decided that adop- positions in the organization: student intern in distinguished itself in utilizing kinship foster Executive Director and co-founder of Adop- tion is the best alternative for their child. The adoptions, a foster care social worker, Family care to benefi t a growing number of children tion Horizons of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, an caring and dedicated staff provide counseling Service Supervisor and has recently accepted whose needs were not being addressed by organization that has helped unite hundreds and support services for these women who a new position as the Group home Manager. the foster care system. Through her advocacy of children with loving families throughout are struggling through a very diffi cult decision Mary has worked tirelessly to fi nd permanent and the visionary leadership, thousands of Central Pennsylvania for nearly two decades. making process. What makes their work so homes for literally hundreds of children in children and youth have reached permanency Adoption Horizons has assisted with the profound is that not only are the children well the region and all over the world. Mary has through reunifi cation, adoption and guard- adoptions of children from countries such cared for in every aspect; most eventually are proudly served as the LCFS representative to ianship. Today, 200 employees serve over as China, Guatemala, Korea, Vietnam, the adopted into a permanent home and family. a number of child welfare committees and on 1200 children and 800 families in Pittsburgh Philippines, Russia, Bulgaria, India and the The variety of services is innumerable and various internal committees. Her unmatched and Philadelphia. Dr. McDaniel-Lowe earned United States. Cindy started her career in reaches to those who wish to adopt a child. leadership, strong sense of character and a Master of Public Administration from the adoption services in 1985 and formed Adop- Finally, Hogar Cuña offers workshops that 84 85 help parents, families, community groups and tireless efforts and advocacy on behalf of the deeply cares about all members of the adop- Each child’s success is a clear refl ection of churches learn prevention methods to avoid children and families of Rhode Island are a tion triad. The adoption community of South the amount of love and nurture provided by the indelible cycle of maltreatment and abuse source of inspiration to community leaders Carolina respects her as a professional and Dave and Sue. Adopting and raising children of the innocent and vulnerable. Therefore, it and families across the state. I am proud to sees her as a leading authority in the fi eld of from diverse backgrounds shows tremendous is my privilege and honor to nominate Hogar recognize Dr. Azzi-Lessing’s work in Rhode adoption. Clearly, June has the knowledge, compassion by the McPherson’s. Furthermore, Cuña San Cristobal as my 2006 Angels in Island, and I am pleased to select her as my experience, and professional ability that mer- adopting two waves of children shows they Adoption. 2006 Angel in Adoption. its this award! understand the ongoing need for safe and loving homes. South Dakota is lucky to have Vicki Smith Ed and Yvette Bynum these two Angels in Adoption, Dave and Sue Rhode Island Representative Patrick Kennedy Senator Jim DeMint McPherson. Vicki has been caring for her 2 nephews Ed and Yvette Bynum of South Carolina have Dr. Lenette Azzi-Lessing since 2000, fi rst on an informal basis, and showed the kind of passion for adoption that Shezalle Simons and Thomas Cook Representative Jack Reed since 2004 as a foster parent. Throughout this award stands for. Ed is a native of Sumter Senator Tim Johnson For over 12 years, Dr. Lenette Azzi-Lessing, of that time period, Vicki has been a tireless and runs an insurance business there in town. Representative Stephanie Herseth Bristol, Rhode Island, has served as Execu- advocate and caregiver for her nephews, He is also a member of the local Rotary Club Thomas Cook and Shezalle Simmons have tive Director of Children’s Friend, which was helping them maintain their connections with chapter. Together, Ed and Yvette have already been described as a truly awesome couple; established in 1834 and is one of the nation’s their aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, adopted two children. They are currently plan- they exemplify what it means to care for oldest adoption agencies. In this position, while also raising her 4 biological children as ning a trip to China in the fall to adopt their others through selfl essness and generosity of Dr. Azzi-Lessing has led the agency to new a single parent. Vicki has attended countless third. This families’ commitment to adoption spirit. Over the past fi ve years, Thomas and heights in fulfi lling its mission of promoting the school meetings, secured counseling services has went above and beyond and they exem- Shezalle have opened their home and their well-being and healthy development of Rhode for them, and worked with state agencies to plify the spirit of this award everyday. hearts to fi ve special needs children out of Island’s most vulnerable children by provid- establish a permanency plan for them. Vicki the foster care system. As a result, they have ing fl exible, effective and culturally relevant also recently worked hard to acquire ad- adopted an individual boy from Texas, two services that support and strengthen families equate housing so that the boys’ baby brother South Dakota brothers from Oregon, and are currently and communities. While Children’s Friend Camron could live with them. The older boys in the process of adopting two sisters from continues its long tradition of placing infants missed him terribly and wanted to have him David and Sue McPherson Ohio. All of these children are under the age for adoption, the agency now provides a full live with them. The Smith family moved into Senator John Thune of 10 and come from diverse backgrounds. range of services to children and families. their new apartment in August of 2005, and I am proud to designate David and Sue When these children arrived to Thomas and Under Dr. Azzi-Lessing’s strong leadership, Camron came to live with them a week later. McPherson from Rapid City as nominees for Shezalle’s home, they were all on medica- Children’s Friend has expanded its adoption Earlier this year, Vicki was honored with the Angels in Adoption campaign. Dave and tions to treat various disorders. Today, be- efforts, working with the state child welfare the John H. Chafee Award for Excellence in Sue fi rst adopted two South Dakota children, cause of the love, patience, consistency, and agency, the Rhode Island Department of Foster Care. Aaryn and Gram. After raising these two stability that Thomas and Shezalle provide Children, Youth, & Families, to help at-risk children they decided to adopt a second them, all fi ve children are medication free, children who have been removed from their wave of children from across the world. They well-adjusted and well-behaved. Thomas and homes fi nd permanent, safe, and loving fami- South Carolina adopted Evan from Korea, Hannah from St. Shezalle have truly been angels in the lives lies. The agency also works to keep healthy Lucia, and Paige from Texas. Although each of Marcus, David, Daniel, Sarah and Selena, families together through comprehensive June Bond of the fi ve kids came from disadvantaged and they should be commended for their post-adoption counseling and crisis interven- Representative Bob Inglis backgrounds, the McPherson’s prepared each desire for a family, their ability to provide a tion services for adopted children and their It is my pleasure to serve as a reference for of them for lives previously unimaginable. safe and stable home for their children, and parents. In 2005 alone, 130 foster, adoptive, June Bond for the Adoption Angel Award. I They were able to provide a loving, caring, most importantly, their commitment to keeping and birth families participated in the compre- have known June for the past thirteen years. and nurturing environment for each of their siblings together. hensive services offered by Children’s Friend. During this time, I have worked with her on children. Furthermore, they home schooled Dr. Azzi-Lessing has served on a number of a regular basis in the fi eld of adoption on a the youngest three children in a welcoming child welfare and early childhood task forces personal, volunteer, and professional basis. Christian environment. Aaryn, the oldest, now Tennessee and boards, and is the current co-chair of She has helped many families grow through works for a credit card company and has a the Child Welfare League’s National Advi- international, domestic, and special needs child of her own. Gram followed the lead of American Academy of Adoption sory Board for Family Support and Family adoptions. Literally hundreds of children his adoptive parents and now works for the Attorneys Preservation. In 1989, and again in 2001, have ‘forever homes’ due to her efforts over family company, McPherson Propane. Evan Representative Harold Ford, Jr. Dr. Azzi-Lessing received the Commissioner’s the past twenty years. June is dedicated to recently attended boot camp at Fort Benning, The American Academy of Adoption Attor- Award for Outstanding Leadership and Ser- providing accurate and detailed information Georgia, and will graduate from Sturgis- neys (AAAA) is a national non-profi t associa- vice in the Prevention of Child Abuse and Ne- to the adoption community through seminars, Brown High School next spring. Paige has tion of approximately 330 attorneys that tire- glect from the U.S. Department of Health and national conferences, and articles that she achieved tremendous success in the martial lessly advocates for adoption and adoption Human Services, Administration for Children, has had published for the adoption audi- art, Taekwando; while Hannah has proven reform. Individual members of AAAA have Youth, and Families. Lenette Azzi-Lessing’s ence. June is a dedicated professional that quite adept at playing the piano and violin. helped form literally thousands of families 86 87 across the nation, while AAAA has promoted pacities. She has a heart for children without the gift of “family” to the children who stay from WBIR-TV in 2000, his dedication and ethical adoption practices, increased aware- families, and has always been interested in in their home. During the last 15 years, they focus for these children has not stopped him ness of adoption, and advanced reform of helping women with unplanned pregnancies. have cared for eleven children. Most of these from continuing his work in every episode adoption laws at the state level, nationally, Peggy provides administrative and clinical children were siblings groups who were of Monday’s Child. His compassion and and internationally. By actively participating oversight of the local offi ce, public relations, quite happy that they got to live together commitment to this end has brought immense in the formulation of the Hague Convention fund raising, and working with local board. and not be separated. According to Rita, “it change to the idea of adoption which has on Intercountry Adoptions, AAAA helped to She started her involvement with Bethany was a joy for she and her husband to help been integral in the program’s success. bring greater order to intercountry adoptions. Christian Services, because she wanted to prepare these children to return to their birth Working with Congress and the Administra- connect with the Pro-life movement. Ms. Lowe parent(s).” Currently, the Moore’s are taking tion, AAAA also supported the adoption tax notes, “I have always thought adoption was care of a set of twins, age 3. James and Rita Texas credit, helped remove bias in the tax code a great way to see families work together are a very strong Christian family who love against independent placements for adop- while blessing a child.” Ms. Lowe started the children. They help the children in their home Honorable A. Daniel and Noemi tion, and submitted extensive comments to the “Adoption Coalition” in Chattanooga, Ten- learn the skills needed to become successful Bodine Internal Revenue Service regarding tax credits nessee, which connects local leaders involved independent adults. They believe in fostering Representative Henry Bonilla for intercountry adoptions. As an advisor to in the adoption process. She has been a and do the work with a sense of humor and The Bodines met their adopted daughter, the National Conference on Commissioners resident of Chattanooga for 29 years and is a strong sense of teamwork. The Moore’s are Maiya Karely, a year ago at the Desarrollo on Uniform State Laws, AAAA contributed active with her church, Woodland Park Bap- also strong advocates for their foster children. Integral de la Familia (DIF) (Integral Develop- to the drafting of the Uniform Adoption Act, tist Church. Ms. Lowe is truly a servant leader They work very hard to make ensure that the ment of the Family) orphanage in Chihuahua, which provides the states with a uniform who looks forward to continuing to make children in their care receive the services they Mexico. She had literally been abandoned by approach to adoption procedures. Further, a difference in the lives of children through need whether it is at school or in the com- her parents on the streets of Chihuahua as a AAAA has long encouraged Congress to en- adoption both locally and internationally. munity. Last year, James and Rita helped a 5 year old child. A kind neighbor, realizing act amendments to the Indian Child Welfare Bethany Christian Services Bethany Christian sibling group of four by reuniting them in their the situation after she began showing up to Act to help ensure that adoptions of children Services is a not-for-profi t, pro-life, Christian foster home so they could transition success- ask for food on a frequent basis, took her to of Native-American ancestry are conducted adoption and family services agency, sup- fully into adoption together. The children had DIF. No trace of the parents could ever be as humanely, effi ciently, and conclusively as ported through reimbursement for services been in the foster care system for over fi ve found. Karely had been at DIF less than a possible with due regard to the child’s cultural and gifts received from individuals, churches, years. Fostering seems to run in Rita Moore’s year when Dan and Noemi Bodine met her. background. The hard work and varied con- corporations, and foundations. Bethany family. Her mother was a foster parent for The Bodines, who have no children of their tributions of AAAA to the adoptive community opened a branch offi ce in Chattanooga, Ten- over ten years. Rita comes from a very large own, felt a deep desire to help one of the make the association a deserving recipient of nessee in May of 1982 at the invitation of a family, and four of her sisters also have fos- thousands of street kids throughout Mexico the Angels in Adoption Award. crisis pregnancy center that had served the tered children. James and Rita Moore are truly who have been abandoned. The adoption area in the late 1970’s. That center, known committed to making a difference in the lives was completed just before Christmas, but Jim and Julia Dyer as “Choose Life,” desired to provide a wider of children in Tennessee’s foster care system the Bodines were blocked from bringing her Representative Lincoln Davis range of services that included offering adop- and for this; I am pleased to recognize them home because of unsuccessful efforts to obtain Jim and Julia Dyer have been foster parents tion as an alternative to women who would as “Angels in Adoption.” a visa for her. The Bodines arranged for a for a number of years and have cared for choose life for their babies but for whom caregiver to stay with Karely in an apartment over 45 children. They have three biologi- parenting was not a possibility. For 60 years Bill Williams in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico until such cal children and one adopted child, who at Bethany has been restoring, preserving, and Representative John Duncan time as they could work out the intricacies one time was in their care as a foster child. building families through a comprehensive Throughout Bill William’s work he has helped of securing legal passage for her into the Jim is a past president of the McMinnville range of therapeutic and adoption services. to change the lives of hundreds of children United States. With help from the Presidio Port Rotary Breakfast Club as well as an assistant With more than 70 offi ces nationwide and and families in Tennessee. His time, energy, Director John Prewitt, Customs and Border district governor for District 6780 in Tennes- international ministries in more than a dozen and tremendous drive have altered the face Protection, U.S. Representative Henry Bo- see. Jim was instrumental in setting up a fund countries, Bethany touches the lives of more of adoption and how it can impact the lives nilla, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to help an orphanage in Romania which than 20,000 people each year. of so many. His tireless efforts on adoption and USCIS, the Bodines were able to secure his club still supports. Julia is a member of and foster care through his journalism career a Humanitarian Permit for their daughter, the McMinnville Noon Rotary Club and has James and Rita Moore have enabled him to help those in need by pending the completion of her I-600A. Karely been involved in a multitude of projects in the Representative Jim Cooper fi nding remarkable children, some even past now lives with her parents, attends school, McMinnville area. They are members of the Angels in Adoption 2006 Nomination of adoption age, new permanent homes and and has the loving, supportive home every United Methodist Church. Representative Jim Cooper (TN-05) it gives loving families. Ever since Bill started on child should have. Dan and Noemi married me great pleasure to nominate James and Monday’s Child, over 25 years ago, over in the spring of 1995 and live in Presidio, Peggy Lowe Rita Moore of Nashville, Tennessee as my 900 children ranging in age, personality, and Texas on the Texas/Mexico border, a small Senator Lamar Alexander district’s Angels in Adoption for 2006. The special needs have been profi led on this long town of 4,300. Dan Bodine is the Justice of Ms. Lowe has worked for Bethany Christian Moore’s have been foster parents with RSI, standing television show. Over 600 children the Peace in South Presidio County, and also Services for 19 years, serving adoptive fami- a private therapeutic foster care agency, have been give new homes, new families, serves as the Municipal Court Judge for the lies, birth parents, and children in many ca- since 1990. The Moore’s believe they give and new lives. Although Bill offi cially retired City of Presidio. Noemi Bodine is the Director 88 89 of the Senior Citizen Center in Presidio. Both age in La Cieba, Honduras which houses Lisa had a chance to visit an orphanage in she received medical treatment in the United are well respected members of their com- 450 children. With the funds he has raised Moscow and they were overwhelmed with the States. It came as no surprise when the munity, and admired among their peers. The he has been able to purchase 14 acres of number of children who needed a family and Raney’s graciously volunteered to undertake family is made complete with their beautiful land, fence the land, and have the roads had little hope of ever being adopted. Their the role as caregiver for Emmy Leah. As daughter Karely. They own a two year old upgraded. He has been successful in having hearts were gripped by what they saw, and Emmy underwent surgery and received post- Boxer named Nicky. They are now able to water and electricity directed to the site. Mr. they were alarmed to learn later that more operational treatment, the Raneys were there provide a loving, stable and safe home for Johnson is now raising funds for a $650,000 than 300,000 children live in orphanages to love and encourage her every step of the their daughter Karely. Representative Bonilla structure that will include housing, medical, throughout Russia. They wondered if one day way. After Emmy’s recovery from the fi rst is proud to nominate Dan and Noemi Bodine and dining facilities, as well as a one and they would have the privilege of adopting operation a 2nd more risky surgical procedure for this year’s Angels in Adoption, and is look- half acre fi eld for raising food and a soccer from Russia. In the fall of 2003 Chris and Lisa was suggested by her physician, which could ing forward to the progression of this case. fi eld. began to pursue their dream. In March 2004, signifi cantly improve her quality of life. The they made two visits to meet an infant boy surgery was not without risks and there Sylvia Franzmeier Brannon and Cristy Nash they thought they were going to adopt. When were no guarantees. In addition, parental Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison Representative Mike Conaway they arrived for a visit in Vladivostok on the consent was required. Needless to say, the Sylvia Franzmeier has dedicated her life to Brannon and Cristy adopted from Christian eastern seaboard of Russia, they found that Raneys did not fl inch as they were given an bettering the lives of children and families. Homes in April 2004. They are new, young, this particular little boy had been adopted opportunity to adopt the little girl they had She served the cause of adopted children in adoptive parents, yet wise beyond their by a Russian family. So instead the orphan- already fallen in love with. While Emmy still both private and public agencies during her years. In an open adoption environment, age brought them a 2½ year old boy and a has healthcare needs, I am happy to report career as a case worker, counselor, adminis- the Nash’s are exactly the kind of adoptive 4-month old girl, and then asked them which that the surgery was successful and that she trator, innovator, lecturer and author. During parents every birth parent would want. Their child they would like to adopt. After several is a happy and relatively healthy little girl. I her seventeen years at DePelchin Children’s respect, admiration and compassion for days of praying, they decided to adopt both believe that the Raneys are shining examples Center of Houston, she led their adoption and their birth mother is extraordinary. Both the even though they had no idea how they were of love and hope and present them to you for post adoption programs to become some of Nash’s and their son’s birth mother live in going to pay the additional money for a sec- the Angels in Adoption award. the most innovative and highly regarded in Midland. They attend the same church. They ond child. They came back to the States and the country. She specialized in working with welcome their son’s birth mother into their had two very busy months to prepare for their Dave and Patti Tuttle children with special needs, and recognizing life and into his. They are completely open to two new children. God graciously provided Senator John Cornyn the unique mental health needs of adopted her inquiries, invite her into their home, and the money they needed, and in May of 2004 Recently profi led in Scene in SA Magazine, children, co- authored several curricula that ask her to baby-sit. The result for Little Boy they fl ew back to Russia to fi nalize the adop- Dave and Patti Tuttle of San Antonio, TX have were used to train mental health professionals Nash is that he will always know he is loved tion and bring their two children home! Chris been foster parents to over 180 children in working with adopted youth all over Texas unconditionally by both his adoptive parents and Lisa are incredible loving parents and are the past 22 years. In addition, they have 2 and in several other states. She continues her and his birth mother. Where other adopted raising two incredible kids. They love to share birth children of their own. The most extraor- work on behalf of adopted children as the children may have voids of information, Little their personal story to anyone and everyone dinary of those adoptions was that of “Misty Parent Group Manager for AdoptUSKids, a Boy Nash will have the answers he seeks. In because God has truly blessed them. Chris Dawn”, a baby found abandoned in a brown project of the Children’s Bureau and the U.S. every adoption, our hope is that both sets of and Lisa are very deserving of this award paper bag in January, 1989. Their adoption Department of Health and Human Services parents – birth and adoptive – will act sacrifi - because they have made a priceless contribu- of “Misty Dawn”, a name given to Kallie Tuttle that trains and supports adoptive parent cially in the best interest of the child. Little Boy tion to their children and the community. I am when she arrived in the San Antonio hospital groups and adoption agencies. Nash’s birthmother did that when she choose proud to honor them as my 2006 Angels in on the cold, foggy morning, has changed the life for him rather than an abortion. His adop- Adoption. way the city works with abandoned children. Dale Johnson tive parents, the Nash’s, do that every time The Tuttle’s took in Kallie as a foster child and, Representative Dr. Henry Cuellar they welcome his birthmother into their son’s Keith and Donna Raney after six months of failed attempts to fi nd the I have chosen to nominate Mr. Dale R. life. Representative Michael Burgess birth parents, the Tuttle’s formally adopted Johnson to the Angels in Adoption Program I am honored to have the opportunity to Kallie. Since then, the city reformed their because of his enduring commitment to Chris and Lisa Newport nominate Keith and Donna Raney for the adoption practice to allow for abandoned helping children in need of adoption. Fifteen Representative Randy Neugebauer 2006 Angels in Adoption award. This children to be placed in a foster/adopt pro- years ago he revamped his law practice I am privileged to nominate Chris and Lisa couple is truly dedicated to adoption and gram so if that child becomes adoptable, they completely to specialize in adoption. Since Newport from Lubbock, Texas as 2006 has adopted all fi ve of their children. To would be permanently placed in their foster then he has handled thousands of adoption Angels in Adoption. Chris and Lisa are true best understand this story a little history is parents care, allowing for continuity in the cases, not only domestically, but internation- champions of adoption, and they are dedicat- required. The Raney’s four children ranged child’s life. Dave and Patti’s impact does not ally. Mr. Johnson is a proud member of “The ed parents to Luke and Anna Grace. Through in age from seven to eighteen years so the end there. The Tuttle’s have created a legacy American Academy of Adoption Attorney’s” their work with Texas Tech University’s thought of adopting a fi fth child had not for all of their children – adoptive and birth. and has served as a member of the Board of Campus Crusade for Christ, they have had occurred to them. In 2002, the Raneys While many in the community would brush Directors and as president from 1993-1994. the opportunity to visit Russia several times learned of an infant from Central America off parents who “abandon” their children as Most recently Mr. Johnson has assisted in rais- and have a fond affection for the Russian who was born with Spinal Bifi da and was in “cruel”, the Tuttle’s remind their community ing funds to improve an abandoned orphan- people. In the summer of 2002 Chris and need of a host family to care for her while and their children that instead of choosing 90 91 abortion, these parents who are too young of adoption in our country. The Tuttle’s truly fi t ling groups. In the best interest of the children, try adoption. Ms. Coburn is an Attorney-Advi- or unprepared for parenthood loved their this bill – they have enriched their own lives, the Reas have opened their home to parents, sor for the Department of State (DOS) where children so much that they choose to share those of their children and have promoted grandparents, and social workers alike she uses diplomatic efforts to encourage inter- their children with the world. In the same a culture of life in San Antonio by leading and, over the years, they have helped many country adoptions from countries of origin spirit, Dave and Patti have shared their family through example that every individual life young mothers and children reunite. When while at the same time working on the devel- and love with countless young women facing does really matter. they were unable to return home, the Reas opment of policies that protect participants in unplanned pregnancies. The family also adopted one of these children and are in the an adoption, including birthparents, prospec- adopted four abandoned children who were process of adopting a sibling group of four tive adoptive parents, and children eligible for found dead in their city noting “We stepped Utah ages 5, 3, and twins age 2. If the state had adoption. She works on the implementation out in faith to adopt them so that they could to fi nd an adoptive family for these children, it of the Hague Adoption Convention and the be buried with love, grace, and dignity. We Stefani Ellison is likely they would be separated as siblings, inter-country Adoption Act of 2000 (the IAA); named each one, planned their funerals, and Senator Orrin G. Hatch as it is most diffi cult to fi nd families who can in particular, drafts comprehensive federal celebrated the short life of each one. We “MY FAMILY HAS FOUND ME!!” There adopt large sibling groups. In addition to their regulations for publication. Specifi cally, she were able to share with our community the can be no sweeter words than these. Mrs. 9 year-old adopted child, the Reas also have has crafted proposed and fi nal rules on the depth of meaning…EVERY life is precious.” Ellison’s efforts on behalf of children aban- three biological children ages 25, 22 and accreditation/approval of adoption service Through years of involvement, Dave and Patti doned in China place her in the real-life 15. All of the Rea children help out and sup- providers; helped to prepare rules to govern have raised the level of consciousness in the angel category. Mrs. Ellison is the China port their parents in every aspect of being a procedures for U.S. children emigrating to San Antonio community that one family really coordinator for Children’s House International foster and adoptive family. The nine year-old another Convention country for the purpose can make a difference. Through mentoring (CHI). In 2002, the central adoption author- does her part as a “big sister” to the four little of adoption and for reporting on outgoing potential adoptive families, the Tuttle’s have ity in Beijing, China, created an expedited ones. This summer, the 15 year-old is helping cases; developed requests for proposals infl uenced others to consider adoption and program for identifying and placing children by being a mother’s helper to Ros with the fi ve and agreements to retain Hague accrediting a life enriching experience. The Angels in with special medical needs. Mrs. Ellison younger children. This way they can all swim entities; and coordinated public meetings on Adoption program recognizes those who received the fi rst list of Chinese children, boys safely at the local pond. The middle child is Hague Adoption Convention issues. She initi- have had not only given of themselves, but and girls, who were considered more diffi - studying hard for her nursing boards, but in ated development of a Joint Working Group have also shaped the culture of adoption in cult to place because of their medical issues. her spare time she is playing with, feeding or with DHS and DOS on new petition/visa our country. The Tuttle’s truly fi t this bill – they Mrs. Ellison went to work on List #1 in May cleaning up after the younger children. And regulations for Hague cases. Ms. Coburn have enriched their own lives, those of their 2002 and she has never looked back. Now their eldest daughter became a licensed foster was also a member of the Hague Permanent children and have promoted a culture of life 15 lists and well over 300 “extra special” parent to meet state regulations so she could Bureau experts group that met at the Hague in San Antonio by leading through example children later, Mrs. Ellison has achieved a provide care for the four younger children in in 2004 to develop a special practices guide that every individual life does really matter. 100% placement rate of these “harder to their own home for times when Bob and Ros on the Hague Adoption Convention. She is a place” children. These children have found are unable to. The Reas are an outstanding member of the National Advisory Committee Dave and Patty’s impact does not end there. loving homes all over the United States and family because they provide a safe, nurtur- on Adoption and on the Board of Directors for The Tuttle’s have created a legacy for all of with military families serving abroad. Mrs. ing, child friendly home where frightened and the Center for Adoption Support and Edu- their children – adoptive and birth. While Ellison’s concern is genuine and her compas- abused young children can begin to relax. cation. She has authored articles on inter- many in the community would brush off par- sion for both the families and the children Ros is a blessing to social workers as she will country adoption and frequently presents at ents who “abandon” their children as “cruel”, seems limitless. Stefani and her husband Ste- go to the hospitals, police stations or court conferences, including those sponsored by the the Tuttle’s remind their community and their phen have 11 children, seven of whom are house to pick up children—even in the middle Child Welfare League of America, the Na- children that instead of choosing abortion, adopted and came to their family with special of the night. She also transports the children tional Council for Adoption, the Joint Council these parents who are too young or unpre- medical needs. It is my honor and pleasure to all medical, educational, therapeutic ap- on International Children’s Services, ABA pared for parenthood loved their children so to select Mrs. Stefani Ellison to receive the pointments, and family visits. Ros is able to Children and the Law Center, and the Univer- much that they choose to share their children 2006 Angels in Adoption award. do these tasks because of the loving support sity of Tulsa Comparative and International with the world. In the same spirit, Dave and of her husband and family. Bob and Ros Rea Law Center. Previously, she was a consultant Patty have shared their family and love with and their children have been Angels to numer- to USAID and HHS on child protection issues countless young women facing unplanned Vermont ous children in crisis. I am pleased to select where she provided comparative law analy- pregnancies. Through years of involvement, them for the 2006 Angel in Adoption award. ses and recommendations for improving child Bob and Ros Rea Dave and Patty have raised the level of welfare and adoption practices in countries of consciousness in the San Antonio community Senator Patrick Leahy origin. Ms. Coburn is a member of the Bars of that one family really can make a differ- Bob and Ros Rea have opened their home Virginia Maryland, DC, and Virginia. She law clerked ence. Through mentoring potential adoptive and their hearts to numerous children in crisis for The Honorable Emory Sneeden of the families, the Tuttle’s have infl uenced others to and have devoted their lives to ensuring these Anna Mary Coburn United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth consider adoption and a life enriching experi- children fi nd a loving and permanent home. Representative Jim Moran Circuit and The Honorable Robert O’Conor, ence. The Angels in Adoption program recog- Over the last 10 years, the Reas have been Anna Mary Coburn is a long-term advocate United States District Court for the Southern nizes those who have had not only given of foster parents specializing in taking in young for sound legal and child-friendly adoption District of Houston, Texas. Prior to joining themselves, but have also shaped the culture children, special needs infants and large sib- practices, especially in the area of inter-coun- DOS, Ms. Coburn was Co-Chair of the ABA 92 93 International Family Law Committee, Chair Heelen are making a tremendous difference faced in adoptions, adoption procedures and borders of the Commonwealth. She has also of the ABA Working Group on Inter-country in the lives of these children and exemplify devising practical solutions to solve those served in the Virgin Islands fi rst as a volun- Adoption, a member of the Hague Alliance, what it means to be Angels in Adoption. problems. Senator O’Brien then introduced teer and then as the executive director of a and the Co-Chair of Families for Russian and and marshaled legislation to reform adoption children’s home and in Colorado and Florida Ukrainian Adoption (FRUA-DC). She served Martin and Kristina Nohe laws. All Virginians who assisted Senator in various leadership capacities through as a panelist for the U.S. Commission on Im- Representative Tom Davis, III O’Brien were truly impressed with his dedica- Lutheran service ministries. Additionally, Julie migration Reform and volunteers to teach citi- Reason for Selection: On November 29, tion and compassion to reforming the adop- currently serves as the Chairperson of the zenship classes sponsored at her local church 2004, Rachel, then 3 years old, and Nicho- tion process. Lutheran Adoption Network. This national community. She is an adoptive mother of las, 22 months, arrived at the home of Martin network will place thousands of children into three children, including Nick adopted at age and Kristina Nohe as a short term foster care Stanton Phillips loving adoptive homes each year, and Julie’s 2 (from Voronezh, Russia), and Ira adopted at placement. Three weeks later, the Nohes Senator John Warner service contributes greatly to their success. In age 9, and Aloysha adopted at age 11 (both discovered that they were expecting their Representative Frank Wolf Julie’s own words “Becoming a foster par- from Severodvinsk, Russia). fi rst biological child and the family went from Stan Phillips has dedicated his professional ent or adoptive parent is a calling. It doesn’t no children to three children in one very career to helping children unite with their new mean that you have to be a perfect parent, Patrick and Jennifer Heelen fast year. On August 31, 2005, the family families. In the past 24 years he has handled but it does require love and the willingness Representative Eric Cantor celebrated two milestones: at 1 AM Jack more than 2,500 successful adoptions for chil- to have your life radically changed for the I am proud to select Patrick and Jennifer Thomas Nohe was born, and at 11 AM, in dren from all over Virginia, the United States better.” Julie works tirelessly to make the lives Heelen of Culpeper, Virginia as recipients the Alexandria City Courthouse, the offi cial and 65 countries. Those with special needs of all she touches better- both the children and of the 2006 Angels in Adoption award. The adoption process for Rachel and Nicholas be- and those in the foster care system are espe- their future parents. Julie takes her message to Heelens are the proud parents of two children gan. Through hard work and the dedication cially dear to his heart. In 2006, he assisted heart. She and her husband Bruce have had adopted from Russia two years ago. Eight- of their parents, Rachel and Nicholas have the Virginia General Assembly in helping to their life radically changed by the three beau- year-old Alexey, who now goes by his Ameri- overcome several developmental delays that draft major revisions to Virginia’s adoption tiful children that they have adopted. Their can name Patrick, and six-year-old Lubov, resulted from the neglect that they suffered laws. He had also helped with Virginia’s pre- children-Dionne, Christina, and Sara, have who now goes by her American name Mar- at such a young age. At the time of their vious major revisions of their adoption laws added much joy to their life, and strength- garet, are biological siblings who lived in an placement, it was feared that Nicholas would in 1995, had served as Chair of the D.C. ened Julie’s call to help all children fi nd loving orphanage off the coast of Russia on Sakhalin need intense therapy for several years and Superior Court’s Adoption Rules Committee homes. Girded by her faith and motivated by Island. The children had been neglected and special education for the rest of his schooling, creating the District’s fi rst set of adoption Rules a belief that every child deserves a family, were removed from an abusive home that but, after just 5 months, this resilient little boy and had been active with the National Com- she has been a force of nature making sure was later condemed. The orphanage consid- caught up on over a year of developmental mission of Commissioners for Uniform State that children get every opportunity they can ered the children not likely to be adopted and milestones and his therapy was labeled a Laws in drafting the Uniform Adoption Act. to experience the joy of a loving home. Julie they were categorized as “failure to thrive.” success. Nicholas was recently moved up Stan has also shared his expertise in the fi eld has truly been an angel to so many children However, after looking through a “Waiting to the higher level in his pre-school several of adoption law by writing and co-author- across Virginia and the nation, which is why Children Album,” the Heelens fell in love months ahead of his peers, and Rachel will ing a dozen books on adoption law, writing I am proud to nominate her as an Angel in with Alexey and Lubov. As part of the adop- be starting Kindergarten in the fall on sched- numerous articles and teaching courses in the Adoption. tion process, Patrick and Jennifer traveled to ule and already reading. Serving on the fi eld. As one of the original members of the Russia to meet the children and spent three Prince William Board of County Supervisors, American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, he weeks with them in a small apartment. The Martin Nohe has used his elected position to has served as an offi cer and trustee and cur- Washington children are adjusting well to life in the United promote and support foster care and adop- rently co-chairs the Special Needs Adoption States. They are learning to speak English tion in his community. Kristina has recently Committee. Barbara Drennen and studying about American history. Even been certifi ed as a Court Appointed Special Representative David Reichert though Patrick did not speak English when he Advocate (CASA) working with children who Julie Swanson Barbara Drennen’s passion is providing a arrived in the United States, he has now been have been abused and neglected. The Nohes Representative Bob Goodlatte safe and healthy start in life for newborns recommended for a gifted program at school are dedicated to putting a human face to the Julie Swanson lives her life as an angel to suffering the effects of prenatal drug expo- and participates in the Boy Scouts program. issues that surround foster care, trans-racial the children of Virginia- she advocates for sure. As Executive Director and cofounder Margaret participates in the Girl Scouts adoption, the adoption of older children and them, listens to them, and loves them. Julie of the Pediatric Interim Care Center (PICC) program. Recently, the family was featured in ensuring that every child has a safe and lov- currently serves as the Chief Executive Offi cer in Kent, Washington, she heads the nation’s a Fourth of July article in a local paper, the ing forever family. for Lutheran Family Services of Virginia. The only newborn nursery dedicated to special- Culpeper Star-Exponent. During a ceremony organization Julie leads is a strong advocate ized 24-hour care of the littlest victims of drug in Culpeper to commemorate the Fourth of Jay O’Brien for all children helping them reunite with their abuse. Barbara came to this mission in the July, which included a reading of the Declara- Representative George Allen families, fi nding them safe and secure foster late 1980s as a provider of in-home care for tion of Independence, Margaret was quoted State Senator Jay O’Brien (R-Fairfax/Prince homes, or connecting them with families who medically fragile infants in the state foster as saying, “I know about George Washing- William) chaired the Joint House and Senate wish to adopt. Julie has long been committed care system. In response to the large number ton. He is the fi rst father of the country and Study Committee and worked tirelessly over to serving the neediest and most underserved of infants exposed to crack cocaine, she de- he fought for the war.” Patrick and Jennifer this past year learning about the problems children, and her work extends past the signed a program of therapeutic care to pro- 94 95 tect these often fragile and premature babies respite, leadership and parent support group statewide organization, Adoption Resources through their fi rst weeks of life. At the urging programs in six western states. For example, Wisconsin of Wisconsin was developed from a concept of local hospitals, Barbara designed a non- she developed a postgraduate education and derived from adoptive families and advo- Dan and Cynthia Davies profi t center to provide this care on a larger certifi cation program in Oregon and Wash- cates. Colleen has built an institution that Representative Paul Ryan scale. Founded in 1990, PICC has brought ington designed to provide post-adoption ser- promotes and sustains adoption throughout Dan and Cindy’s story is perhaps not unique more than 2,000 newborns safely through the vices for families and train therapists to work the state. Adoption Resources of Wisconsin - they faced a great deal of struggle and many hazards of withdrawal. These children, many effectively with adoptive families. In addition, now serves over 10,000 families and profes- personal tests in their efforts to adopt their of them now teenagers, are Barbara’s great- Ms. Pearson sits on the boards of the national sionals per year, providing information and daughter, Katie, from Russia. But, as Dan, est accomplishment and living proof that early Adoption Exchange Association and the support in the challenging adoption process. whose mother and aunt were also both adopt- intervention works. PICC completed a new Northwest Children’s Fund and is a member Colleen facilitates this program by manag- ed, so eloquently stated, “…your real parents home for its program in April 2006, dou- of the AdoptUsKids professional work group. ing the $2.5 million budget and overseeing are the people who raise you.” bling its capacity and providing a haven for the 17 member staff. Together, they work to And, once Dan and Cindy started this process, drug-exposed newborns in Washington State provide programs for pre and post adoption they dedicated themselves completely to open- for decades to come. In addition to leading West Virginia and foster care support to families; assistance ing their home, their lives and their hearts to PICC, Barbara has been a voice of advocacy to birthparents, and training to adoption their new child. After having started the process for drug-exposed infants. She spearheaded Mary Ellen Griffi th and foster care services. While at Adoption more than two years ago, Dan and Cindy legislation in Washington State requiring that Senator Jay Rockefeller, IV Resources, Colleen has created a number of suffered repeated setbacks in their efforts to newborns with positive toxicology screens for Mary Ellen Griffi th graduated from WVU Law outreach activities to encourage adoption welcome a child into their family. After the fi rst illicit drugs be reported to the Washington School in 1988, and since then she has used and foster care, including a magazine for child they attempted to adopt was adopted by State Department of Health. Barbara is a her legal talents to work on children’s issues waiting children, a website with 500,000 another couple, the Davies refused to give up, resource for families, the media, the medical in Southern West Virginia. In July 2006, WV visitors per month, and a free distribution of starting the process over yet again. It was then community, legislators, social service agen- Governor Manchin named her to be a judge a waiting child column to over 100 newspa- that they met young Valaria (now known as cies, law enforcement offi cials and caregiv- the 12th Family Circuit Court. A judge plays pers throughout the state. In addition, Colleen Katie), a shy, sweet 9 year-old girl from Siberia, ers. Through her books, videos, classes and a pivotal role in adoptions and child welfare. has been a legislative advocate for adoption who was in desperate need of a loving, caring 24-hour information line, she has positively Judge Griffi th brings a wealth of experience law in the state of Wisconsin; she focused on home. Dan and Cindy fell in love with young impacted the lives of thousands of drug-ex- and a caring heart to the bench, and the chil- legislation that improves the permanency for Katie and pursued her adoption, dedicating posed infants outside of her own community. dren of Mercer and McDowell County, West children in adoption and foster care situa- all of their resources, personal and fi nancial, Virginia will benefi t. tions as well as termination of parental rights to bringing young Katie home to America. Barbara Tucker Pearson and mandatory training for all adoptive On July 4th, 2006, after nearly two years of Representative Jay Inslee West Virginia CASA Association families. In addition, Colleen has assisted in struggles, Katie landed in America, where she Representative Jim McDermott Senator Robert Byrd the construction of a data system that tracks promptly became a U.S. Citizen and an offi cial Barbara Tucker Pearson is the Director of the West Virginia Court Appointed Special and monitors permanency efforts on behalf member of the Davies’ family. However, Dan Northwest Adoption Exchange (NWAE), a di- Advocate (CASA) Association believes every of children. Currently, Colleen sits on both and Cindy remain concerned about the best vision of Northwest Resource Associates. Ms. child deserves a safe, permanent, nurturing the Adoption Exchange Association Board friend that Katie left behind when she started Pearson came to NWAE in 1989 and, over home. The West Virginia CASA Association and the board of the Wisconsin Council on her new life in America, so much so that they the course of her seventeen year tenure, has supports and develops local CASA programs. Children and Families. After over 22 years are now dedicating time and resources to rais- been a pioneer in the fi eld of special needs Local programs supervise volunteer advocates working to improve adoption for children in ing money to try to either adopt Katie’s friend adoption. While director, thousands of chil- who are appointed by a judge to represent Wisc, Colleen is truly an Angel in Adoption. themselves, or to help fi nd a family locally who dren in the Northwest have found loving and the best interests of abused and neglected can adopt her and give her a good home as permanent families. These are children who children in foster care. CASA volunteers well. I truly fi nd Dan and Cindy’s dedication to are in the foster care system, unable to return learn about courtroom procedures, the social Wyoming giving this wonderful child a loving, supportive to their birth families due to circumstances service system and the unique needs of the home amazing. Dan and Cindy are an inspi- beyond their control: abuse, neglect, domestic children who have suffered abuse or neglect. Mark and Judi Westerhold ration to others, and as a result, I felt it only violence, or parental drug abuse. These are The volunteers maintain close contact with Senator Michael Enzi appropriate to submit their names for consider- children of school age who have physical, the children and serve as the child’s voice in Mark and Judi Westerhold are a truly remark- ation for recognition by the Angels in Adoption developmental, and behavioral special needs. court. CASA is critical in the assurance that able couple who are dedicated to improving program. They are truly an example for others Because of recruitment programs established children receive the best treatment possible. the lives of children in Wyoming. They have to follow. by Ms. Pearson, adoptive placements are be- In seeking the best interest of the children, the been honored by the Wyoming Department ing found for them with families all around the West Virginia CASA Association is truly an of Family Services for their great work in Colleen Ellingson country. Throughout her career at Northwest Angel in Adoption. Cody, Wyoming. In addition to their own Representative F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. Resource Associates/Northwest Adoption seven children, Mark and Judi have served Colleen Ellingson, Executive Director of Adop- Exchange, Ms. Pearson has designed and as foster parents for over 18 years. They tion Resources of Wisconsin, has led the orga- managed several U.S. Children’s Bureau-fund- have adopted children with special needs nization since its inception in 1984. The now ed projects that established adoptive parent and continue to take in siblings to ensure that 96 97 families are kept together. The entire Wester- hold family is a great example of those willing to care for others. They have devoted their lives to children.

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