Celebrating Ordinary People Doing Special Thanks to Extraordinary Things Our Diamond Sponsor

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s 2008 Angels in Adoption™ Gala To know even one life has breathed Ten Years easier because you have lived… This is to have succeeded! — Ralph Waldo Emerson 10 Celebrating Ordinary People Doing Special Thanks To Extraordinary Things Our Diamond Sponsor

The Freddie Mac Foundation September 16, 2008 Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Washington, DC

Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

Making Home a Place Where Children and Families Thrive.

At the Freddie Mac Foundation, we believe in doing everything we can to help make home a place where children and families thrive. That’s why we invest in programs that help build better lives for children and families. We’re proud to support your efforts to bring about better tomorrows.

www.FreddieMacFoundation.org 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

2008 Angels in Adoption™ Gala Program i Welcome Remarks Master of Ceremonies

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

First Course

Remarks from CCAI Board President The Honorable Mary Landrieu, U.S. Senate

Message From Our Premier & Founding Sponsor Ralph F. Boyd, Jr. Freddie Mac Foundation

Main Course

Musical Performance

Message From CCAI Executive Director Kathleen Strottman

Message From Congressional Foster Youth Intern Betty Krupa

CCAI Video Montage

Recognition of 2008 National Angels in Adoption™ Ashley Rhodes-Courter CBS Entertainment

Dessert Buffet i 1 Ten Years Celebrating…

CCAI Would Like to Thank

Diamond and Founding Sponsor Freddie Mac Foundation

Platinum Sponsor SUPERVALU, Inc.

Gold Sponsors Casey Family Programs Chevron Fluor Corporation

Silver Sponsors Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Textron Marine & Land

Bronze Sponsors 3M American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, Inc. Bethany Christian Services Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Holt International Children’s Services Ken & Barbara Strottman Occidental Petroleum Corporation Wendy’s International Foundation

Friends Sponsors Abbott Adams & Reese, LLP Adoptees for Children Chick-Fil-A DTE Energy Edison Electric Institute Kidsave International Marathon Oil Corporation Shaohannah’s Hope

As of September 8, 2008

2 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

Thank You to the following for providing in-kind gifts and donating your valuable time and services:

AdoptUSKids

Jamie Baker

Andy Burmeister

Susan Soon-Keum Cox

Chip Gardiner

The James Fund

McLane Layton

Brian Luwis

Bob and Gerry Marks

Jason Matthews

Sarada Peri

Debbie Riley

Adam Sharp

Barbara Walzer

3 Ten Years Celebrating…

Message From the Executive Director

Tonight marks a very For some, that step is opening their hearts and special occasion for homes to a waiting child. For others it is taking those of us at the part in improving the system that works to Congressional Coalition connect children in need of homes with families on Adoption Institute wanting to adopt them. For others still, that (CCAI). Over the past step is using their power and resources to bring ten years, Angels in about change. Adoption has brought Because each and every one of the Angels to light the incredible here tonight and those that came before them stories of over 1,400 took such a step, a child’s life was changed for- individuals whose unyielding commitment has ever. I, for one, am endlessly inspired by their helped a waiting child find their forever home. examples of love, dedication, perseverance and These “Angels” have come from all over the faith. It is my hope that in highlighting their country and represent every conceivable part of work we will challenge others to follow in their the foster care and adoption process. Despite foot steps and to do more than just lament the their many differences, they share one common inconceivable number of children who will go trait: they all stepped forward to make a to bed tonight without the love and protection difference in the life of a child in need of a home. of a family. Earlier this year, I was telling my daughter The Angels in Adoption program is just Grace about my new job as Executive Director one of the many reasons I am proud to serve of CCAI. Almost immediately she began pep- as a member of the staff of the Congressional pering me with questions about what I would Coalition on Adoption Institute. Since 2001, be doing at this new job. I explained to her that CCAI has strived to be an objective resource CCAI was a place that was working to find a for information critical to advancing the efforts “mommy” or a “daddy” for every child in the of federal policymakers on behalf of children in world who was without one. To my amaze- need of homes. Through our five core pro- ment she replied, “Wow that sounds like a hard grams, Members of Congress and staff have the job. How are you going to do that?” Mostly unique opportunity to come face to face with because I had no idea how else to respond I the issues affecting orphaned and foster youth. said, “I don’t know Grace, how do you think In my nearly eight years on the hill I learned I should do that?” Without hesitation, she one simple lesson, knowledge is power. At replied, “I know, you and Daddy can be their CCAI, we come to work each day so that Mem- mommy and daddy!” bers of Congress have the knowledge they need Later that night I found myself reflecting to use the power they have toward making the on this conversation. The adult in me could dream of a family a reality for every child. not help but react with the thought that only a In closing, I would like to acknowledge child would conceive of such an overly simple CCAI’s unbelievable staff for their tireless solution for such a obviously complex problem. efforts on behalf of vulnerable children. To the And then it came to me that perhaps there was CCAI Board, thank you for your unwaver- some divine wisdom in her response. What ing support and dedication. And to my friend her unclouded eyes allowed her to see is that Kerry, thank you for your shining example. achieving the dream of a home for every child is possible if each and every one of us takes a Kathleen Strottman single step toward making that dream a reality. Executive Director 4 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

Angels in Adoption™ Galas Over the Years

National Angels in Adoption™, Sesame Workshop, brought This is a bird’s eye view of the 2002 Angels in Adoption™ Gala. Sesame Street characters along who charmed adults and children alike during the 2005 Angels in Adoption™ Gala.

Jane Seymour accepts the 2004 The Watoto Children’s Choir had the audience Patti LaBelle, a 2007 National Angel in Adoption™, National Angel in Adoption™ award. cheering as they performed during the 2004 surprises the audience with an impromptu song, Angels in Adoption™ Gala. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

Senator Mary Landrieu welcomes a delegation from China, including the 2003 National Angels in Adoption™ Steven Curtis Director of the China Center of Adoption Affairs, at the 2003 Angels in Chapman and Muhammad Ali exchange punches before Adoption™ Gala. the Gala. 5 Ten Years Celebrating…

History of CCAI

In 1985 a small, but committed group of Members of Congress discovered that they had a common goal — to live in a world where every child has a permanent, safe and loving home to call their own. They also found that their shared commitment to eliminating the barriers that hinder children from realizing this basic right to a family was one that transcended party lines and geographical borders. Dedicated to making a difference, these members united to form the Congressional Coali- tion on Adoption (CCA). Today, at over 215 Members strong, the CCA is the largest, bicameral caucus in all of Congress. Over the last twenty five years, CCA Members have led Congress in the passage of legislation that has dramatically impacted the lives of children including “The Adoption and Safe Families Act” (ASFA); the “John Chafee Independent Living Act;” The “Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act;” the “Hope for Children Act” and the “Intercountry Adoption Act”.

In founding the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCAI), adoption advocates sought to match Members’ commitment to finding a home for every child with the information and resources needed to make that dream a reality. Since 2001, CCAI has strived to be an objective resource for information critical to advancing the efforts of federal policymakers on behalf of children. Through its five core programs, CCAI’s goal is to educate Members of Congress about the need for reform; coordinate Congressional and community efforts to bring about change and facilitate opportunities for communication and awareness.

6 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

CCAI Core Programs

Through its CONGRESSIONAL RESOURCE PROGRAM, CCAI strives to be an educational and informational resource for the 215 Members of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. Regular newsletters, briefings, press conferences and round tables provide ideal opportunities for experts and advocates to communicate with interested policy makers about the barriers that hinder children from realizing their basic right to a family.

The CCAI DELEGATION PROGRAM is a public-private partnership which exists to increase positive dialogue and the exchange of information among private sector individuals, foreign and domestic government officials, and Members of Congress. Over the last eight years, CCAI has organized delegations to Florida, China, Romania, Russia, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Uganda, and India, and has hosted leaders from around the globe in our nation’s capital. Relation- ships made and lessons learned through these hands-on interactions continue to inspire the work of CCAI and its Members.

The FOSTER YOUTH INTERNSHIP (FYI) PROGRAM provides talented college students who have spent their formative years in foster care an opportunity to intern in a Congressional office for a summer. The FYI program instructs these young adults in how best to bring their unique perspective and resilient spirit to bear as advocates for the needs of other waiting children. The FYI Alumni Network now represents over 64 former interns who have used their FYI experience as a foundation for a wide variety of distinguished careers

NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY (NAD) is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the 114,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. For the last eight years, National Adoption Day has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with courts, judges, attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies and advocates to finalize adoptions and find permanent, loving homes for children in foster care. On National Adoption Day 2007, more than 200 events were held throughout the country and more than 3,300 adoptions were finalized.

Mission Statement The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the millions of children around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes and to eliminating the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family.

7 Ten Years Celebrating…

CCAI Board of Directors

Ralph F. Boyd, Jr. Boyd was a law clerk to the Honorable Joseph Executive Vice President H. Young, U.S. District Judge for the District Community Relations of Maryland, after which he served as a litiga- Freddie Mac tion associate at the Boston law firm of Ropes & Chairman, President and CEO Gray for four years. Freddie Mac Foundation Boyd has a long history of involvement in Ralph F. Boyd, Jr. is Freddie community affairs, and currently serves on sev- Mac’s Executive Vice eral non profit boards. He is Chairman of Easter President, Community Seals of the Greater Washington-Baltimore Relations, and reports to Region, and a member of the Executive Com- Chairman and CEO Richard mittee of the Board of Directors of the American F. Syron. Boyd also is Association of People with Disabilities. He also Chairman, President and is a Trustee of the National Housing Partnership CEO of the Freddie Mac Foundation (NHPF), a non profit developer Foundation, and serves on the Foundation’s and provider of quality, affordable multi-family Investment Committee. In these roles, he housing. In addition, Boyd chairs NHPF’s Audit oversees one of the national capital region’s most Committee, and is a member of its Investment extensive philanthropic programs, which Committee. He serves as well as Vice President includes corporate giving, employee volunteer and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the activities, and Foundation grant making. Boyd Center City Public Charter Schools, and on the also serves as a director of the Home Ownership Board of Directors of the Congressional Coali- Funding Corporation I and II, two real estate tion on Adoption (“CCAI”). investment trust subsidiaries of Freddie Mac. Boyd is a Director of the DIRECTV Boyd began at Freddie Mac as Execu- Group, Inc., and a member of its Audit, and tive Vice President and General Counsel. In Nominating and Governance committees. He addition to supervising the company’s legal also previously served as the U.S. member of the operations, he also was responsible for oversee- U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial ing Freddie Mac’s regulatory relations and leg- Discrimination — a Geneva-based United islative activities at the federal, state, and local Nations human rights treaty compliance body. levels, and the company’s internal and external Boyd is a graduate of the Harvard Law communications functions. School, and Haverford College. He received an Prior to joining Freddie Mac, Boyd was honorary Doctor of Law degree from Suffolk a senior partner of Alston & Bird LLP, lead- University. ing its Washington, D.C. litigation practice. Before that, he served as Assistant Attorney Norm Coleman General of the United States for Civil Rights, Member of the U.S. Senate and as head of the Civil Rights Division, U.S Prior to being elected to the Department of Justice. From 1997 to 2001, Senate in 2002, Senator Boyd was counsel and then a partner in the Coleman served two terms Trial and Litigation Department of Goodwin as the Mayor of St. Paul, Procter LLP in Boston. During the 1990’s, Minnesota. Since taking he served for six years as an Assistant U.S. office, Senator Coleman has Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Boston become a national leader in U.S. Attorney’s office. Following law school, assisting families with 8 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

adoptions. Senator Coleman has helped place of natural gas drilling in the Outer Continen- close to 400 children from over 20 countries tal Shelf; and has also been lauded for strong into the homes and lives of Minnesota families. efforts to work with Members of Congress in He works with the Office of Children’s Issues crafting a chemical plant security bill that is at the State Department and The United balanced. States Citizenship and Immigration Services The ACC also has: restructured to cut on policy matters to ensure that the adoptions costs and operate more efficiently; broken the process is as smooth as possible from start to all time industry record for it’s AmeriChem finish. Senator Coleman has worked closely Political Action Committee (PAC) contri- with his colleagues to improve federal adop- butions; mobilized a robust foundation for tion laws including, most recently, the passage grassroots and Get Out the Vote; gained 26 of a provision sponsored by Senators Coleman new members; launched the highly success- and Landrieu (D-LA) that would allow for an ful “essential2® advertising campaign”; and adopted foster child’s college financial aid advanced advocacy at the global, state and eligibility to be determined solely by their federal levels. ability to pay, regardless of his or her adoptive Mr. Gerard and the ACC have been family’s income level. named among the “Best of K Street” in an Senator Coleman is a member of the Agri- edition of The Hill newspaper’s listing of top culture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, advocates. He was also ranked 14th in the the Committee on Small Business and Entre- ICIS 2007 Top 40 Power Players in global preneurship, the Foreign Relations Committee, chemicals. the Senate Committee on Homeland Security Prior to joining ACC, Mr. Gerard was and Governmental Affairs and the Permanent President and Chief Executive Officer of the Subcommittee on Investigations. National Mining Association, where he stream- lined operations and built a national grassroots Jack N. Gerard organization. He also co-chaired the BIPAC President and Chief Executive Office “Prosperity Fund,” raising funds to mobilize American Chemistry Council the business vote. As President and CEO of Earlier in his career, Mr. Gerard was a the American Chemistry founding partner, Chairman and Chief Execu- Council, Jack N. Gerard is tive Officer of McClure, Gerard & Neuen- leading new efforts to schwander, Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based redefine the chemistry government relations consulting firm. He and industry and strengthen its founding partner, former U.S. Senator James role in advocating public McClure, focused on issues such as interna- policy. He has pledged to tional sports, telecommunications, energy and make the ACC the “gold standard” of trade mining. Mr. Gerard also spent close to a decade associations. working in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Since Mr. Gerard took the helm of ACC Representatives. in July 2005, the Council has seen tremendous Mr. Gerard also serves as Chairman of the momentum in energy, rail, security, regulatory, National Capital Area Council – Boy Scouts health, environment and legal reform advo- of America, serves as co-chair of The George cacy. ACC has been recognized as the leader in Washington University Graduate School of helping create the most comprehensive shift in Political Management’s Council on American energy policy in the last 25 years, moving the Politics, and is a member of the Conserva- U.S. House of Representatives toward support tion Fund’s Corporate Council. He is also on 9 Ten Years Celebrating…

the Board of Directors for the Congressional hood Disability from 1994–1995, a member of Coalition on Adoption Institute. the U.S. Advisory Board on Welfare Indicators He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political from 1996–1997, and a member of the U.S. Science and a Juris Doctor from George Advisory Board on Kinship Care from 1998- Washington University. 1999. Prior to these appointments, Dr. Horn was the Director of Outpatient Psychological The ACC represents 135 leading chemical producers Services at the Children’s Hospital National representing the business of chemistry—a $635 billion Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and an enterprise and a key element of the nation’s economy. Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behav- ioral Sciences at George Washington Univer- Wade F. Horn, Ph.D. sity. Dr. Horn also has served as a member of Director the U.S. Advisory Committee on Head Start Deloitte Consulting, LLP Research and Evaluation, an adjunct faculty Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., is a at Georgetown University’s Public Policy director in Deloitte Consult- Institute, and an affiliate scholar with the ing LLP’s Public Sector Hudson Institute. Practice, focusing on Dr. Horn has written numerous articles helping state governments relevant to children and family issues, includ- provide effective and ing a weekly newspaper column entitled efficient health and human Fatherly Advice, and is the co-author of services that are client- several books including The Better Homes and focused and compliant with federal laws, Gardens New Father Book (Meredith Books, regulations, and reporting requirements. Prior 1998) and the Better Homes and Gardens to coming to Deloitte, Dr. Horn served from New Teen Book (Meredith Books, 1999). 2001 to 2007 as the Assistant Secretary for He is also the lead editor of The Fatherhood Children and Families within the U.S. Depart- Movement: a Call to Action (Lexington Books, ment of Health and Human Services (HHS) 1998). where he oversaw over 60 federal programs Dr. Horn received his Ph.D. in clini- aimed at improving the well-being of children cal child psychology from Southern Illinois and helping families achieve self-sufficiency, University in 1981. He lives in Gaithersburg, including welfare, child welfare, adoption, Maryland, with his wife and two daughters. child support, Head Start, child care, and refugee resettlement. James Oberstar From 1994–2001, Dr. Horn was President Member of the U.S. House of Representatives of the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) Throughout his service in whose mission is to improve the well-being of Congress, Jim Oberstar has children by increasing the number of children been a leader in adoption and growing up with involved, committed, and child welfare issues. More responsible fathers. From 1989-1993, Dr. Horn than thirty years ago, Jim was the Commissioner for Children, Youth and Oberstar introduced one of Families, and Chief of the Children’s Bureau the first bills to use the tax within the United States Department of Health code to promote adoption. and Human Services. Dr. Horn also served His legislation in 1975 would have provided a as a Presidential appointee to the National $500 deduction for medical expenses associated Commission on Children from 1990–1993, a with the adoption of a child. member of the National Commission on Child- 10 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

In 1985, Congressman Oberstar was As a former board member for Massachu- instrumental in the creation of the Congres- setts Institute of Technology’s Auto Identifica- sional Coalition on Adoption, and he continues tion Lab, Paul helped shape the standards for to serve as the House Democratic Co-Chair of RFID. Today he is a board member of Volun- this important congressional caucus. tary Interindustry Commerce Solutions (VICS) In 2001, Congressman Oberstar was the and a member of The Research Board. chief Democratic cosponsor of the Hope For Paul and his wife Teri have five daughters Children Act which extended and expanded and are deeply committed to raising public the adoption tax credit to $10,000. awareness of how adoption can provide a safe That same year, Congressman Oberstar home and loving family to the 143 million helped create the Congressional Coalition on orphaned & vulnerable children in the world. Adoption Institute, and he served as the first He is a board member for the Congressional President of the Institute Board. Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), Joint As an adoptive parent, Jim Oberstar Council on International Children’s Services knows the immense joys as well as challenges (JCICS) and is President of Almitas. of adoption and he continues to support efforts to promote leave benefits for adoptive parents, Rita L. Soronen and expand opportunities for families to adopt Executive Director children from foster care and internationally. Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption For more than 25 years, Rita Paul Singer Soronen has worked on Senior Vice President behalf of abused, neglected Chief Information Officer and vulnerable children. Ms. SUPERVALU Soronen has provided Paul Singer is Senior Vice leadership for local, state President and Chief and national efforts working Information Officer for to improve the juvenile SUPERVALU, a position he justice and child welfare systems, while striving has held since July of 2006. to assure safe, nurturing and permanent homes He is responsible for for North America’s children. technology solutions and As Executive Director of the Dave support across all business Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a national areas of the company. In addition, Paul non profit public charity, Ms. Soronen works oversees retail technology services for our to find loving adoptive families for each of the independent business customers. 150,000 waiting children in the United States SUPERVALU is the third largest gro- and Canada’s foster care systems. cery retailer and the leading food distributor Under Ms. Soronen’s leadership, the in the U.S. Foundation has significantly increased its Prior to joining SUPERVALU, Paul was grant-making and awareness commitments, the Chief Information Officer at Target where while developing signature initiatives that he gained 21 years of experience and held a underscore and act on the urgency of the number of leadership positions. Early in his issue. In 2007, the Foundation dedicated more retail career, he held positions of increasing than $12 million to grants and award-winning responsibility at Kmart and May Company. national awareness activities, including Paul holds degrees in Theology, History, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, Adoption-Friendly and Music Education. Workplace, National Adoption Day, national 11 Ten Years Celebrating…

foster care adoption attitudes research, A Child Stuart C. Williams is Waiting: A Beginner’s Guide to Adoption, Following his graduation national poster campaign, PSAs and edu- from Hamilton College in cational videos. In three years, the Wendy’s 1981, Stuart joined IBM Wonderful Kids program has grown from Corporation, working with seven pilot site grants to 109 active sites in all money center banks on fifty states, the District of Columbia and three Wall Street at the time of provinces in Canada dedicated to aggressively IBM’s announcement of the and effectively moving children from foster Personal Computer. care to permanent families. Over 400 children From there, he worked in financial ser- have been adopted as a direct result of Wen- vices with State Street Corporation in 1986 dy’s Wonderful Kids. and then with Alex. Brown & Sons, begin- Immediately prior to joining the Dave ning in 1993. Alex. Brown was acquired in Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Ms. 1997 and eventually became part of Deutsche Soronen served as the Executive Director of Bank’s investment bank. He managed DB’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) private client securities business in Boston of Franklin County, a partner in the national for 8 years and recently opened DB’s first network of more than 900 CASA programs, private banking office in Boston. In March of and one of the 20 largest urban programs in 2008, Stuart left DB and is currently working the nation. During that time, she also served on independent projects within the financial as the President of the Board of Trustees of services industry. the Ohio CASA/GAL Association and was He and his wife of 23 years, the former instrumental in the passage of specialty license Debra Murphy, are the parents of three plate legislation benefiting CASA programs children: Abbey, 17; Paul, 13 (adopted from throughout Ohio, as well as the design and Korea); and Anne, 8 (adopted from China). implementation of model program standards He serves on the Finance and Senior Minister assuring consistent application of effective Search Committees of Hancock Church in advocacy for children involved in court pro- Lexington, MA where they reside. ceedings at the local and state levels. Stuart is also a Trustee of Boston Trinity In addition to serving on the Board of Academy in Hyde Park, MA, a faith-based, Directors of the Congressional Coalition on college preparatory school of which Debbie Adoption Institute, Ms. Soronen serves on the was a founder and first Secretary of the board. Board of Directors of the Ohio CASA/GAL He is also a member of Hamilton College’s Association and is a fellow of the Jefferson Alumni Council, serving as Class Agent for his Fellowship for Executive Leadership. Ms. class since 1999. The Williamses are an active Soronen is a recipient of the National CASA family and spend their summers on Chebeague Association Kappa Alpha Theta Program Island in Casco Bay, Maine. Director of the Year Award, the Ohio CASA/ GAL Association Statewide Leadership Award, and the Angels in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. A graduate of the University of Louisville, Ms. Soronen resides in Columbus, Ohio, and has two wonderful daughters.

12 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

i In Loving Memory of Maria Sue Chunxi Chapman May 13, 2003 — May 18, 2008

Maria Sue Chunxi Chapman is the youngest of Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman’s six children. Born in China, Maria was adopted by the Chapman family as an infant. A source of joy and laughter for all who knew her.

May her spirit live on. i 13 Ten Years Celebrating…

Steering Committee

Alabama Idaho Rep. Michele Bachmann (R) Pennsylvania Sen. Jeff Sessions (R) Sen. Larry Craig (R) Rep. Keith Ellison (D) Sen. Robert Casey (D) Rep. Robert Aderholt (R) Rep. William Sali (R) Rep. James Oberstar (D) Sen. Arlen Specter (R) Rep. Bud Cramer, Jr. (D) Illinois Rep. Collin Peterson (D) Rep. Mike Doyle (D) Alaska Sen. Richard Durbin (D) Rep. Jim Ramstad (R) Rep. Philip English (R) Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) Sen. Barack Obama (D) Mississippi Rep. Jim Gerlach (R) Sen. Ted Stevens (R) Rep. Melissa Bean (D) Sen. Thad Cochran (R) Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D) Rep. Judy Biggert (R) Rep. Chip Pickering, Jr. (R) Rep. Patrick Murphy (D) Arizona Rep. Joseph Pitts (R) Sen. John McCain (R) Rep. Jerry Costello (D) Missouri Rep. Raul Grijalva (D) Rep. Danny Davis (D) Sen. Kit Bond (R) Rhode Island Rep. Rick Renzi (R) Rep. Bill Foster (D) Rep. Todd Akin (R) Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D) Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D) Rep. James Langevin (D) Arkansas Rep. Roy Blunt (R) Rep. Dan Lipinski (D) Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D) Rep. Russ Carnahan (D) South Carolina Rep. Donald Manzullo (R) Rep. John Boozman (R) Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D) Sen. Jim DeMint (R) Rep. John Shimkus (R) Rep. Vic Snyder (D) Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R) Rep. John Spratt (D) Rep. Jerry Weller (R) Rep. Joe Wilson (R) California Nebraska Indiana Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) Sen. Ben Nelson (D) South Dakota Sen. Evan Bayh (D) Rep. Xavier Becerra (D) Rep. Lee Terry (R) Sen. Tim Johnson (D) Sen. Richard Lugar (R) Rep. Ken Calvert (R) Nevada Sen. John Thune (R) Rep. Dan Burton (R) Rep. John Campbell (R) Sen. John Ensign (R) Rep. Stephanie Herseth Rep. Baron Hill (D) Sandlin (D) Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D) Rep. Jon Porter (R) Rep. Mike Pence (R) Rep. David Dreier (R) Tennessee Rep. Mark Souder (R) New Jersey Rep. Anna Eshoo (D) Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) Rep. Jim Cooper (D) Rep. Bob Filner (D) Iowa Rep. Scott Garrett (R) Rep. Bart Gordon (D) Rep. Elton Gallegly (R) Sen. Chuck Grassley (R) Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R) Rep. Zach Wamp (R) Rep. Michael Honda (D) Sen. Tom Harkin (D) Rep. Frank Pallone (D) Texas Rep. Duncan Hunter (R) Rep. Steve King (R) Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D) Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) Rep. Barbara Lee (D) Kansas Rep. Donald Payne (D) Rep. Joe Barton (R) Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D) Sen. Sam Brownback (R) Rep. Steven Rothman (D) Rep. Kevin Brady (R) Rep. Doris Matsui (D) Sen. Pat Roberts (R) Rep. Jim Saxton (R) Rep. John Carter (R) Rep. Gary Miller (R) Rep. Nancy Boyda (D) Rep. Christopher Smith (R) Rep. Mike Conaway (R) Rep. George Radanovich (R) Rep. Dennis Moore (D) New Mexico Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D) Rep. Linda Sanchez (D) Rep. Jerry Moran (R) Rep. Heather Wilson (R) Rep. Kay Granger (R) Rep. Adam Schiff (D) Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R) Rep. Nicholas Lampson (D) Rep. Brad Sherman (D) New York Rep. Ron Paul (R) Kentucky Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) Rep. Diane Watson (D) Sen. Jim Bunning (R) Rep. Pete Sessions (R) Rep. Henry Waxman (D) Rep. Gary Ackerman (D) Rep. William Thornberry (R) Louisiana Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D) Rep. Tim Bishop (D) Sen. Mary Landrieu (D) Rep. Vito Fosella (R) Utah Colorado Sen. David Vitter (R) Rep. Peter King (R) Sen. Orrin Hatch (R) Sen. Ken Salazar (D) Rep. William Jefferson (D) Rep. Nita Lowey (D) Rep. Rob Bishop (R) Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R) Rep. Jim Matheson (D) Maine Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D) Rep. Thomas Tancredo (R) Sen. Susan Collins (R) Rep. Michael McNulty (D) Vermont Connecticut Sen. Olympia Snowe (R) Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D) Sen. Patrick Leahy (D) Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I) Maryland Rep. Charles Rangel (D) Virginia District of Columbia Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D) Rep. Louise Slaughter (D) Sen. John Warner (R) Rep. Eleanor Holmes Rep. Eric Cantor (R) Massachusetts North Carolina Norton (D) Rep. Virgil Goode, Jr. (R) Sen. Edward Kennedy (D) Sen. Richard Burr (R) Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R) Florida Sen. John Kerry (D) Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R) Rep. Frank Wolf (R) Sen. Mel Martinez (R) Rep. Michael Capuano (D) North Dakota Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R) Rep. William Delahunt (D) Sen. Kent Conrad (D) Washington Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R) Rep. Stephen Lynch (D) Sen. Byron Dorgan (D) Sen. Patty Murray (D) Rep. Tom Feeney (R) Rep. John Olver (D) Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D) Rep. Jay Inslee (D) Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R) Rep. John Tierney (D) Ohio Rep. Jim McDermott (D) Rep. Cliff Stearns (R) Rep. John Boehner (R) Rep. Cathy McMorris Rep. Dave Weldon (R) Michigan Rodgers (R) Rep. Deborah Pryce (R) Rep. Robert Wexler (D) Sen. Carl Levin (D) Rep. Dave Reichert (R) Rep. Jean Schmidt (R) Rep. Bill Young (R) Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) Rep. Adam Smith (D) Rep. Dave Camp (R) Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R) Georgia West Virginia Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D) Oklahoma Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R) Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D) Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R) Sen. James Inhofe (R) Sen. Johnny Isakson (R) Wyoming Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R) Oregon Rep. Phil Gingrey (R) Rep. Sander Levin (D) Sen. Michael Enzi (R) Rep. David Scott (D) Sen. Gordon Smith (R) Rep. Michael Rogers (R) Sen. Ron Wyden (D) Wisconsin Hawaii Rep. Fred Upton (R) Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D) Sen. Herbert Kohl (D) Sen. Daniel Akaka (D) Rep. Tim Walberg (R) Rep. Peter DeFazio (D) Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D) Sen. Daniel Inouye (D) Minnesota Rep. Darlene Hooley (D) Rep. Thomas Petri (R) Sen. Norm Coleman (R) Rep. Greg Walden (R) Rep. James Sensenbrenner, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D) Rep. David Wu (D) Jr. (R) 14 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

2008 National Angels in Adoption™

CBS a “Wednesday’s Child” waiting for a home. CBS’s commitment to WFOR (Miami) partners with The Chil- raising awareness for dren’s Trust in supporting the adoption of adoption issues is local foster children. KTVT (Dallas) is the media and national, and in sponsor for Lena Pope Home, whose services many of the divisions include adoption and foster care. KPIX (San across the Corporation. Francisco) and WWJ/WKBD (Detroit) air The network reaches millions of Ameri- specials on adoption on their public affairs cans through its broadcasts, various plat- programs. WCBS (New York) reporter forms and partnerships and with relevant Cindy Hsu, an adoptive parent, regularly stories on “The CBS Evening News with covers adoption stories. Katie Couric,” “The Early Show,” and CBS’s CBS is proud of its ongoing efforts locally owned stations. Additionally, CBS’s supporting this important social issue, and annual special, “A Home for the Holidays,” honored to be among the distinguished group has inspired numerous families to adopt chil- of recipients of the Congressional Coalition dren in need. on Adoption’s “Angels in Adoption” award. This December marks the 10th anniversary of “A Home for the Holidays,” on which Ashley Rhodes-Courter celebrities introduce pre-taped story seg- Ashley Rhodes-Courter ments highlighting children and families who was born in North Carolina have been involved in the rewarding process in 1985 and entered foster of adoption. Stories are enhanced by musical care in 1989. Over the next performances. Thousands of children have nine years, she lived in 14 found families due to the inspirational stories placements before being and profiles of children in waiting on the spe- adopted at age 12 by Phil cial. Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, and Gay Courter of Crystal Reba McEntire, Rod Stewart and Stevie River, Florida. Wonder have been among dozens of top per- Ashley just graduated with honors from formers. Presenters have included Moham- Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. mad Ali, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ellen DeGeneres, She was the recipient of Eckerd’s Trustee’s Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman, Rene Scholarship, their most prestigious full- Russo, Steven Spielberg and Bruce Willis. tuition award. She has won several other Last year, “The Early Show” raised national and local scholarships. She com- awareness about new laws affecting adop- pleted a double major in communications tion and profiled several families who have and drama with a double minor in political adopted. “The CBS Evening News with science and psychology. Katie Couric” has addressed how adop- At college, Ashley was a residential tion affects both the biological and adoptive adviser, student public relation spokesperson, parents as well as possible repercussions of and speech coach. She spent her January adopted children accessing their birth and term, 2006 in South Africa working with a adoption records. children’s literacy project. In the community, CBS’s owned stations have been equally she has a job in marketing, and works with committed. Examples include WBZ (Boston) Heart Galleries. and KCNC (Denver), which weekly feature 15 Ten Years Celebrating…

Ashley was the 2004 Youth Advocate GOLDEN BR!CK Award winners for out- of the Year for the North American Council standing advocacy by Do Something, and was on Adoptable Children and won the Child named one of GLAMOUR Magazine’s Top Ten Welfare League of America “Kids to Kids” College Women. National Service Grand Prize. Ashley has been featured on Montel On June 1, 2003, the New York Times Williams, Good Morning America, $.99 Magazine published her grand prize winning Cool Ranch Doritos bags, and other national essay, “Three Little Words” about her adoption and local television shows. She is currently day. She expanded her essay into a memoir maintaining a full calendar of speeches and (also called “Three Little Words”) which has workshops all across the country. She has a just been published by Simon & Schuster. passion to tell her story and share hope with In 2007 she was one of 20 college stu- other foster children and encourage adoption dents selected for the USA Today All-USA and permanency. Academic Team. She also was one of the four

Program Participants

Dr. Barry Black, Chaplain, U.S. Senate Training, Pensacola, Florida; and Fleet Chap- On June 27, 2003, Rear Admiral Barry C. lain, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Virginia. Black (Ret.) was elected the 62nd Chap- As Rear Admiral, his personal deco- lain of the United States Senate. He began rations included the Navy Distinguished working in the Senate on July 7, 2003. Prior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, to coming to Capitol Hill, Chaplain Black Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two served in the U.S. Navy for over twenty- medals), Meritorious Service Medals (two seven years, ending his distinguished career awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commen- as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. The Senate dation Medals (two awards), and numerous elected its first chaplain in 1789. Commis- unit awards, campaign, and service medals. sioned as a Navy Chaplain in 1976, Chaplain Chaplain Black is a native of Baltimore, Black’s first duty station was the Fleet Reli- Maryland and an alumnus of Oakwood Col- gious Support Activity in Norfolk, Virginia. lege, Andrews University, North Carolina Subsequent assignments include Naval Central University, Eastern Baptist Semi- Support Activity, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; nary, Salve Regina University, and United U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Mary- States International University. In addition land; First Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, to earning Master of Arts degrees in Divin- Japan; Naval Training Center, San Diego, ity, Counseling, and Management, he has California; USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA received a Doctorate degree in Ministry and 3) Long Beach, California; Naval Chaplains a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology. School Advanced Course, Newport, Rhode Chaplain Black has been selected for many Island; Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY- outstanding achievements. Of particular ONE, Beaufort, South Carolina; Assistant note, he was chosen from 127 nominees for Staff Chaplain, Chief of Naval Education and the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award

16 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

for his contribution to equal opportunity and enjoys motivating people. In her free time, civil rights. He also received the 2002 Benja- Betty is a spokesperson for the Department min Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership of Social Services (DSS), interns at Kernan Award from The Morehouse School of Reli- Hospital as an Occupational Therapist Stu- gion. In 2004, the Old Dominion University dent Aide, and works for a psychotherapist. chapter of the NAACP conferred on him the When not volunteering, Betty enjoys spending Image Award, “Reaffirming the Dream — time with her family and friends who she loves Realizing the Vision” for military excellence. dearly. As for her future, Betty dreams of pur- Chaplain Barry C. Black is married to suing her Masters in Occupational Therapy at the former Brenda Pearsall of St. Petersburg, Towson University, but she plans to continue Florida. They have three sons: Barry II, volunteering with DSS and other organiza- Brendan, and Bradford. tions related to foster care and adoption.

Betty Krupa Betty has an uncanny passion for adoption and loves to share her story. She credits a DARE® Officer for helping her to be removed from her biological family and placed in foster care. At the age of 15, when most children are told there is no hope for finding a family, she was adopted by her loving parents, Joe and Susan Krupa. This past summer, Betty was a member of the 2008 Congressional Foster Youth Internship Program, which deepened her passion for politics and changing the foster care system. Through this program, Betty was placed in the office of Senator Jim DeMint from South Carolina and used her time there to raise awareness about adoption and foster care issues to various Members of Congress and their staff. She so valued the experience as it increased her appreciation for all the work constituents across the country have done for these issues that are so close to her heart. Her personal motto is to “be all that you can be,” and her time with Senator DeMint and his staff helped her to live up to her motto. Betty B. Krupa is from Owings Mills, MD and attends Stevenson University, formally known as Villa Julie College. Betty will graduate a semester early in coming Decem- ber with a degree in Human Services. Betty has a strong desire to help people in need and

17 Ten Years Celebrating…

First Course

Mixed Baby Greens Orange And Grapefruit Segments Citrus Dressing

Main Course

Breast Of Chicken Boursin Whipped Potatoes Roasted Winter Vegetable Fricassee Cabernet Sauvignon Reduction

Dessert Buffet

Vanilla, Chocolate, Spice and Coffee Flavored Angel Food Cakes Whipped Cream, Berry Marsh, Caramel Sauce, Warm Banana Foster Sauce, Mocha Anglaise, Chocolate Fudge Sauce, Cherry Compote and Lemon Syrup i

18 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

2008 Angels in Adoption™

Alaska the number of adoptive placements in Marshall County more than quadrupled in the past year Betsy Woodin alone. Ms. Smith’s deep care and concern for Representative Don Young the children that she assists is evident to all I started my career in social services working who come into contact with her. I am pleased in drug and alcohol treatment, ran a domestic to honor Ms. Smith’s dedication and service to violence shelter for women and children, and Alabama’s children by selecting her as Ala- later moved into child abuse investigations. bama’s 2008 Angel in Adoption. During that time I worked with birth parents whose actions placed their children at risk of harm. Unfortunately, many of them failed to Arizona work their case plan and lost their parental rights. Now I work for Alaska Center for St. Nicholas of Myra Adoption Center Resource Families/Northwest Resource Asso- Representative Raul M. Grijalva ciates supporting foster and adoptive parents St. Nicholas of Myra Adoption, a non profit that are caring for children removed from organization, is a program of Catholic Social families I worked with previously. I consider it Services of Southern Arizona. St. Nicholas is a great honor to be able to support and educate based in a Tuscan, Arizona and contracts with foster and adoptive families that are commit- the Arizona Department of Economic Security ted to providing abused and neglected children in Pima County to find adoptive families for with safe, caring, homes children in the foster care system. St. Nicholas of Myra was named after a 4th century bishop of Turkey, venerated as the patron saint of chil- Alabama dren. St. Nicholas of Myra Adoption Center began in 1991 with five employees and a super- Susan Stewart Smith visor. At the present time it has grown to over Senator Jeff Sessions thirty five staff members. Prior to contracting According to her colleagues, Susan Stewart with St. Nicholas, adoptions in Pima County Smith’s career has been marked by an incred- were handled by adoption specialists working ible dedication to the children of Alabama. Ms. for Child Protection Services, a division of the Smith, program supervisor for Marshall Coun- Arizona Department of Economic Security. ty’s Foster Care/Adoption division, has focused In the final year of providing adoption ser- on improving the quality of life for families and vices, the Department of Economic Security children, and counts herself blessed to be able finalized 47 adoptions. Within the first year of to devote herself to such a meaningful activity. providing adoption services, St. Nicholas was By all accounts, Ms. Smith has left an indelible responsible for nearly doubling the adoptions. impression on families throughout Alabama, as By completion of the first year, they finalized they have on her. She counts her first adoptive 47 adoptions. Within the first year of providing placement, an eight year-old child, as one of adoption services, St. Nicholas was responsible her proudest accomplishments throughout her for nearly doubling the adoptions. The adop- 34-year career. Recently, Ms. Smith led county tion rate has steadily increased through the foster care/adoption workers in the imple- years. In 2007, 461 children found permanency mentation of a comprehensive child tracking through adoptions at St. Nicholas. Over the system. As a result of Ms. Smith’s leadership, past 16 years (1992 through 2007), St. 19 Ten Years Celebrating…

Nicholas has finalized 3,888 adoptions. St. true advocate on behalf of Arizona’s families Nicholas provided services to a wide geo- and an outstanding leader in her community. graphical area, including not only metropoli- tan Tucson but outlining areas such as Ajo and two Native American reservations; the Arkansas Tohono O’odham Nation and the Pasqua Yaqui Nation. In working with the Native Children of Arkansas Loved population, St. Nicholas has respected the for a Lifetime (C.A.L.L.) Indian Child Welfare Act and its importance Senator Blanche Lincoln in keeping Native families together when at The C.A.L.L.’s mission is “to educate, equip, all possible. The staff recognizes the impor- and encourage the Christian community to tance of ensuring that when non-native provide a future and a hope for the children families adopt Native children, their cultural in foster care.” They have begun recruit- heritage and customs are respected. ing adoptive and foster families in Pulaski As a result of St. Nicholas’s experi- County with the goal of having no children ence in adoption and child welfare, in 2001 waiting in foster care by November 2008 in they expanded their service delivery area to Pulaski County. They have recruited over 50 include Pinal and Gila Counties. adoptive families this year for foster children in Pulaski County. Equally important, this Janet Suzanne Story group of dedicated volunteers has worked Representative Harry E. Mitchell with DCFS to streamline the agencies’ train- Practicing law since 1991, Janet began focusing and certification process to provide quali- ing on adoptions in 1999 with an emphasis fied foster and adoptive families, they provide on helping foster parents, grandparents, support groups and services for families who and other relatives adopt their foster chil- foster and adopt children. They have cre- dren. Janet plays an integral role in helping ated a model program that will be replicated families successfully navigate through the across the state and has already moved to adoption process, and Congressman Mitchell Lonoke County, resulting in all children is especially proud that she often does so on in foster care being placed in their county. a pro bono basis. So far this year, Janet has Judges across the state are anxious for The logged over 200 hours of pro bono work. C.A.L.L. to move to their judicial districts For the past several years, she has worked so that children can be placed close to their with the Children’s Law Center representing homes and do not have to be removed from grandparents in the adoption of their grand- their schools, except when it is in their best children and providing mentoring to other interest to do so. This is a very exciting and volunteer lawyers in this program. Janet has promising program and one that deserves also co-chaired the annual National Adop- recognition in our state tion Day celebration in Phoenix for the past seven years. At last year’s celebration, about John and Claudia Courtway 150 children found homes with their own Representative Vic Snyder “forever families.” The ultimate measure of Before she was married, Claudia Courtway Janet’s success in the adoption field is her worked in an orphanage in Haiti and was unyielding passion for her work. For Janet, responsible for delivering the babies to their the biggest reward is simply to help adopted new homes. While she was in social work, children become permanent members of their she met a couple that had adopted 2 children families. Janet’s tireless efforts make her a from China. Claudia and her husband John 20 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

had three children but decided that they and sing her ABCs. She can even navigate wanted to give a little girl from China the the Sesame Street website. The adoption opportunity to have a family as well. In 1997, process brought the Cozad family closer the Courtways adopted their daughter Jenny together and strengthened their faith in God. at age 3 who had some health issues from her Elliot-Sloane’s life verse sums up the Cozad time in the orphanage. A few years later, their Family’s experience with adoption quite daughter Heidi was adopted at seven months. well. “Now faith is the substance of things They discovered that Heidi was hearing hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” impaired and were thrilled to be able to Hebrews 11:1 give her a loving and nurturing home. With great pride, Claudia told us that her adopted Jeanne Ann Whitmire daughters have been a much greater bless- Representative John Boozman ing to their family than they could ever have It is my pleasure to nominate Jeanne Ann been to them. Both girls are now thriving in Whitmire, an attorney in the Office of Chief programs in Conway such as the Hendrix Counsel for the Arkansas Department of Aqua Kids and Heidi has been attending Human Services. Jeanne Ann currently UCA speech clinics and is adjusting well to works in Van Buren, AR, and has placed hearing aids. hundreds of children in both foster care and adoptive homes throughout the Third Jim and Ginger Cozad District of Arkansas. Jeanne Ann initially Senator Mark Pryor specialized in adoptive services in her own In February 2005, Jim and Ginger Cozad private law practice following the adoption decided they wanted to adopt a child from of her daughter Katy, 18 years ago. For the China. Little did they know, the process past seven years she has been serving at the would turn out to be emotionally, physi- Department of Human Services zealously cally, and psychologically devastating to seeking placements for those who do not their family. It was only their faith in God have a voice of their own, the abused and and support from family and friends that neglected children. If not for the efforts of kept them moving forward. After two and Jeanne Ann, these children might otherwise a half years of paperwork and waiting, the not have a home. This is not just a job for bureaucratic nightmare was finally over. On Jeanne Ann, but a mission that she takes on July 2, 2007, Jim, Ginger, and their son, with joy. In addition, Jeanne Ann teaches Keith, met their new daughter and sister, a paralegal class in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Elliot-Sloane, in Hefei, China. Elliot-Sloane and will selflessly guide others who seek her was extremely calm and a bit overwhelmed help through the adoption process, keeping when the Cozads met her. She warmed up in mind the needs of all parties. A native of to the Cozad family on the 30-hour trip Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Jeanne Ann is a back to Little Rock, Arkansas, but was still 1980 graduate of the University of Arkansas a little subdued. Not sure how Elliot-Sloane and a 1983 graduate of the Arkansas School would react to her new home, Jim, Ginger, of Law. She is married to Kent Kamm, who and Keith Cozad were absolutely thrilled to works in law enforcement in the Fort Smith watch their new daughter run around the area. They have one daughter, Katy. house giggling and laughing with joy and excitement. Elliot-Sloane has brought so much joy and happiness to the Cozad Family. She is now 2½ years-old and can count to 50 21 Ten Years Celebrating…

California County. Her work encompasses infant adoption, finding homes for medically fragile Jack Better children, and adoption of children from foster Representative Dennis Cardoza care. She is committed to the belief that there is a family for every child and proves that to Rodney Clark be true in the most difficult of circumstances. Representative Pete Stark As only one example, Melissa was called by Throughout his career in the East Bay Area, a local hospital staff to help find a home for Rodney Clark has been dedicated to eradicat- a newborn, who needed a heart transplant. ing domestic violence and ensuring that all Physicians would not do the surgery without children afflicted by violence and neglect have a family, as the chances of survival would be a safe place to heal, grow, and thrive. Since very slim without the bonding and nurtur- 1996, Rodney has guided Safe Alternatives to ing of parents. Within a few days, Melissa Violent Environments (SAVE) as Executive identified the family, the surgery was soon Director. For three decades, SAVE has carried accomplished, and the child is stable, healthy, out their mission throughout Alameda County and has been adopted by a wonderful local to fight domestic violence, with a particular family. She also provided loving counseling focus on children. SAVE, under Rodney’s to the birth mother who desperately needed leadership, has grown into a nationally recog- to be supported in a difficult decision. Each nized organization that has been honored by year Melissa is responsible for serving more the National Alliance to End Homelessness than 100 children and getting them safely among other organizations. SAVE provides into adoptive families. She is also an educa- a continuum of vital services to children and tor in the field and shepherds masters level families, including emergency and transitional interns from schools of social work all over housing, group and individual counseling, legal Southern California, preparing many young assistance, education and community out- professionals for careers serving children in reach and awareness. Mr. Clark has not only foster care and adoption. There is no finer grown SAVE’s organizational capacity to serve professional in the field of adoption, and I am the community, he has done so in a way that proud to honor her. honors and respects my district’s cultural and ethnic diversity. In addition to leading SAVE, Lacey Major-Fairgood Rodney serves on the Board of Directors of Representative Doris O. Matsui the City of Fremont Family Resource Center Ms. Lacey Major-Fairgood first got into and the Alameda County Domestic Violence foster care because she wanted a daugh- Advisory Board. Rodney is a true leader in ter. She is a single parent who has been a our community and his efforts have saved the foster parent for approximately 15 years. lives of many children and improved the lives She started providing respite for teenage of many more. I am proud to honor Rodney mothers at risk of losing their children. Her Clark as an Angel in Adoption recipient. experience in foster care eventually led to the adoption of Ms. Major-Fairgood’s six Melissa Dodson children in 2002 and 2006. She is a strong Representative John Campbell believer that children should know their Melissa Dodson is an unsung hero in social siblings so she has adopted two sibling sets. work, who has spent more then 25 years She will be finalizing her last two adoptions dedicated to quality adoption services. She in the next month. Of the eight children she is highly respected for her work in Orange is parenting six of them are special needs. 22 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

The children suffer from a myriad of behav- families don’t like each other or don’t get iors including special education needs, anger along but her family was created by choice control issues, aggression, ADHD, poor and it makes their bond special. Ms. Major- peer/social relations, self mutilation, depres- Fairgood is a very remarkable woman. She sion and PTSD. Ms. Major-Fairgood is a takes placement of children most people strong advocate for services for her children would rather not adopt and makes each one and has them enrolled in various classes and feel unique, appreciated and loved. social activities to help with any deficiencies they may have. She states that the children Eric and Jaci Hasemeyer who have special needs don’t know that they Representative Ken Calvert are special needs, just very special to her. Mr. Jaci and Eric Hasemeyer have been licensed Major-Fairgood states that all her adoptions foster parents since 1998. They have fostered are memorable and so very special, however, 16 children and have adopted seven of those one poignant story is the adoption of her children. Of those seven, six children were son that is now 7. He was brought to her as considered difficult placements because of their an infant with such medical needs that his emotional or medical needs of the children. life was in the balance. She was up with him Jaci was a school teacher until 1999 when the nightly due to sleep apnea, administration of requirements of caring for her foster children medication, operating his feeding tube and with special needs prompted her to leave supervising him through his many seizures. her career to focus her full attention on the On multiple occasions she had to revive him children in her family’s care. Eric ended 22 to keep him alive. Today, although he is a years in the financial services industry in 2002 Regional Center client, he is an active 7 year to complete a Masters Degree in Counseling old who has made progress beyond what any Psychology. He is now a licensed Marriage professional could predict. The sibling set she and Family Therapist. He and a partner havw is in the process of adopting were previously established a clinic that focuses on the needs of separated due to behavioral concerns. She children in out-of-home placements. In addi- had cared for the 16 year old as a respite tion to providing foster care to children in their provider but could not let her go. The 15 year own home, Jaci and Eric have been active old was placed in a foster/adoptive home in in the foster care ministry in their church. In Tennessee where she resided with a younger 2001, they formed the first foster care support sibling who had previously been adopted. group at the Grove Community Church in Ms. Major-Fairgood took placement of the Riverside, CA. Out of that group of five fami- 15 year old after she and approximately lies, 22 children have found permanent homes. six other children were removed from her They continue to work with the members of prospective adoptive family due to allega- the church in promoting foster care aware- tions of severe physical and emotional abuse. ness and the need to support foster families. Ms. Major-Fairgood did not intend to adopt The Hasemeyers and their children were or care for any more children however, due the catalyst for the “Walk Your Talk Walk,” to her strong convictions regarding sibling an annual event in Riverside, California. In contact she took placement of the 15 year its four-year history, the walk has attracted old. She is attempting to gain custody of the thousands of participants who have raised younger sibling who continues to reside in over $10,000 to support the ChildSHARE foster care in Tennessee. Ms. Major-Fairgood ministry which raises awareness of the need is very proud of the family that she has for faithful foster parents. Recently, Jaci and created. She likes to say that many Eric took in an 18-year-old former foster child, 23 Ten Years Celebrating…

who had aged out of the foster care system aging out of foster care and ensure that youth and had been force out onto the streets. Still are engaged participants in the court and case in high school, the boy was homeless. Without planning process. Ms. Krinsky is a recognized the stability and support provided by a caring spokesperson on foster care and juvenile jus- family, the boy’s grades began to fall and he tice issues; she has testified extensively before was in danger of failing out of school. Jaci and legislative, government and judicial bodies and Eric took the boy into their family, providing has authored over 50 articles and columns on the help and support necessary to allow his to issues relating to children and youth at risk. bring his grades up. Because of their attention, Most recently, Ms. Krinsky is bringing her the young boy received a diploma and will be passion for the needs of vulnerable children to attending California Baptist University in the the world of academia; starting this Fall she fall semester. Jaci and Eric have been tremen- will be teaching graduate public policy, social dous role models not only to the foster children welfare and law students at the UCLA School they have opened their home to, but also to of Public Affairs and Loyola Law School. other residents of Riverside County who have an interest in making a difference in the fives of Timothy and Yvette Lloyd foster children. Representative Gary Miller Even before the birth of their son, Timo- Miriam Krinsky thy Jr., the Lloyds were active in their Senator Barbara Boxer church and community. They are known Senator Barbara Boxer is delighted to be by friends as always willing to volunteer to honoring a nationally recognized foster care help children and have been highly involved advocate and policy leader, Miriam Aroni in baseball, soccer, YMCA sports, as well Krinsky, as her 2008 Angel in Adoption. Ms. as the Boy Scouts. For several years, the Krinsky has been in the forefront of foster care Lloyd family considered adoption when reform work in California and nationally, serv- they found it was unlikely that they could ing as a member of the California Blue Ribbon conceive more children. Being a devout Commission on Children in Foster Care and Catholic family, foster care and adoption was the American Bar Association’s Youth at Risk a mechanism for them to live out the tenants Commission. Ms. Krinsky has been a tireless of their faith. They turned to Olive Crest, a advocate for legislative change and the need for Judeo-Christian agency that places children the public to address responsibly the needs of of abandonment, neglect and/or abuse, and children in the child welfare system. In her five found a match to foster and adopt two lovely year tenure as the Executive Director of the siblings. Now Timothy, Jr. has a younger Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles, a 185 brother and sister. Tim and Yvette continue person nonprofit legal services organization to help other parents through the sharing of representing over 20,000 abused and neglected their love and experience of fostering and youth in Los Angeles, Ms. Krinsky wrote and adoption. The experience has allowed their promoted over a dozen changes in California family to become closer and grow as both law, including new laws to assist youth who individuals and as a family. Tim and Yvette cross from dependency to delinquency, ensure say that “it feels very humbling to be able to that teens in foster care have permanent adult provide to children that have been through so connections, and enhance educational stabil- much in their lives” and that “they believed it ity and opportunities for youth in care. She was their place in this great world to be able has also been a strong voice in national reform to provide a better life for these children in efforts, spearheading efforts to support youth need”. This attitude is exactly why Tim and 24 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

Yvette Lloyd are the perfect people to receive difficult to get children placed with families. As this honor. the family worked through the process, they heard about Kazakhstan as the orphanages Julian and Lourdes Martinez were overfilled with children in need of homes Representative Bob Filner and decided to visit. They first adopted Jack Parents Julian and Lourdes Martinez, a mar- and as they found the experience “amazing”, ried couple who live in Chula Vista, California decided they would return to find a sibling have been chosen as 2008 Angels in Adop- for him. The Robinson’s wanted both of their tion. They are the adoptive parents of Angel, children to share the same heritage. They April, and Alejandro. They have been selected returned with Wendy in November 2007. One as Angels in Adoption because of their loving of the first things the parents arranged for acceptance of this sibling set of three, two boys was to have Wendy’s tonsils removed and ear and a girl, in need of a caring, forever family. tubes put in to alleviate chronic infections; they Angel was four months of age at the time of report that her eating, sleeping, and speaking the adoption, April was four years old, and are greatly improved! Both children are spend- Alejandro was 6 years old. These children had ing two mornings a week this summer at their experienced abuse and neglect which led to church “Seedlings Program” before they actu- foster care. When their birth family did not really begin pre-school. Today was Science Day unify, the Martinez stepped up with their offer and while the children are in different class- to adopt. Their adoption was finalized in Feb- rooms, they know the other one is close by. ruary, 2007. Angel, April, and Alejandro con- When talking to Karen, she gave me a synopsis tinue to blossom in their adoptive home. Julian of the adoption process: First, it is strictly logic and Lourdes are enthusiastically working to — paperwork, social workers, testing, reports, send out the message about the importance of etc. Then the emotional process begins when adoption. They have volunteered their time you actually see your child and hold them. And to appear in public service announcements that is when it is all worth it! promoting adoptions on Univision (Spanish television), a local San Diego TV station, and Dean and Lisa Sweet radio. They speak to others about the benefits Senator Dianne Feinstein of adoption and how it has positively changed Dean and Lisa Sweet have been married for their lives. The whole family is involved in the over 20 years. They have four children, all community. The children recently danced at a adopted — Kyle,16, twins Ricky and Reno, National Council of La Raza event at the Con- 15, and Kaylee, 5. Unable to have biological vention Center. San Diego County Adoptions children of their own, Dean and Lisa adopted was the placement agency. I am very pleased to their first son Kyle in 1991. Kyle was an easy nominate Julian and Lourdes Martinez as my baby and it encouraged the Sweets to adopt Angels in Adoption for 2008. again in 1993. Their second adoption was two Hispanic twin boys, Ricky and Reno, who, they Karen and Steven Robinson later discovered, had been severely exposed to Representative Ellen Tauscher alcohol while in utero. The two boys presented The Robinson Family has adopted two chil- challenges for the couple but they educated dren from Kazakhstan: Jack, who just turned themselves, sought professional advice and three, and Wendy Marie, now 23 months old. raised them with unconditional love. Ricky When the family decided to adopt children, and Reno are now thriving 15-year-olds. As Russia was in the midst of making changes to their three sons grew older, Lisa and Dean their adoption program, making it more became involved with the foster care program 25 Ten Years Celebrating…

in Contra Costa County, California. In 2002, In 2000 Graham joined Kinship Center, a they became licensed foster parents and in statewide adoption, relative care and mental 2003, they became foster parents to a two- health agency, in order to pilot his proudest month old baby named Kaylee who was born programmatic achievement; “Adoptive Family severely premature. Kaylee is now five years Wraparound”. Wraparound is an uncon- old. Lisa, a registered nurse by training, loved ditional, strength-based and family-driven fostering kids and wanted to use her own system of intensive post-adoption services to experience to help other families who want to prevent institutionalization or to reunify an go through the adoption process. Lisa applied adoptive child from placement. Over the past for and got the job as Contra Costa County’s 10 years Graham Wright has developed child Foster Parent Liaison. She has truly made welfare web sites, most notably California’s it her life’s work to help other foster families Waiting Child and Adoptive Family match- who want to adopt children. ing database, with both public and secure agency portals. He is also the creator of several Graham Wright agency sites through his private enterprise at Representative Sam Farr www.placenet.net. In 2000, with the support Graham Wright has dedicated his career to of Kinship Center, Graham created AFTER, creating and sustaining permanent adoptive Adoptive Family Therapeutic and Educational families for children in foster care, as a County Resources, a post-adoption center serving social worker, manager, advocate, therapist, Silicon Valley and the Monterey Bay. AFTER program architect, and webmaster. He began received the Adoption Excellence award for his career in 1975 as an adoption, rising to post-adoption services in 2002. Graham Wright direct Children’s Services in Santa Cruz, has been involved in the adoption of thou- California. Out of concern that foster and sands of children over his career. He considers adoptive children had little access to appropri- adoptive parents to be heroes in the classical ate therapy resources, Graham created Future sense; giving endlessly despite great challenges Families in 1984, his State’s first nonprofit and personal sacrifice. He recalls as his most therapeutic foster care and adoption agency. rewarding adoption the successful placement of Integral to the agency’s success was the inno- nine siblings, six of whom were challenged by vative combination of experienced adoptive a life-threatening genetic condition, and who parent partners on staff, working as a team had been languishing in the foster care system. with adoption therapists and social workers to Graham continues contribute as a consultant, achieve truly permanent adoptions. Graham trainer and program developer, and seriously has been in the forefront of policy develop- doubts that he’ll ever retire! ment and child welfare legislation since the late 1970’s. He served as Legislative Chair of the California Association of Adoption Agencies Connecticut from 1979 to 1991, and as State President of that association for two terms from 1996 to Connecticut Association of Foster and 2000. He was appointed to Governor Pete Adoptive Parents, Inc Wilson’s Adoption Advisory Council, and, in Senator Joseph I. Lieberman 2000 through 2003, to Governor Gray Davis’s The Connecticut Association of Foster and Child Welfare Stakeholders Group, charged Adoptive Parents (CAFAP) was founded in with a total redesign of the child welfare 1995 for the purpose of providing training, system. Graham was the only representative advocacy and support services for foster and of the field of adoption asked to participate. adoptive parents in Connecticut. In 2002, 26 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

the association added relative/kinship care educating and assisting parents, professionals, providers as families who were caring for their and Congressional representatives about chil- relative children were becoming more preva- dren who have, or are at risk of developing dis- lent and also needed these same services. The abilities, most especially those who don’t have association provides more than 100 classes families. All children deserve a permanent, throughout Connecticut each year for the pur- healthy and caring home where they can learn pose of helping families build their skills to care to love themselves and others, and Dr. Bruder’s for children in their homes. Over 7500 calls dream is for every child to have a family who are received by CAFAP staff each year from will love them for just being who they are, and families who need supportive services such help them become who they were meant to be. as mentors, help with obtaining services for There are few investments as worthwhile as their children, and to discuss parenting issues. those we make in our children, and Dr. Bruder CAFAP has been a sponsor of the Connecticut and her family serve as an inspiring example of Heart Gallery since its inception in 2003 and how a committed and loving parent can truly is in its sixth year as the state Recruitment change lives. Response Team for the AdoptUSKids national foster/adoptive family recruitment program. CAFAP staff maintains the 1-888-Kid Hero Delaware statewide foster and adoptive family recruitment line for the state of Connecticut and is Christine Montgomery an integral partner in the annual Families Are Representative Mike Castle Forever adoption event held every summer. It is my distinguished pleasure to nominate Ms. Christine Montgomery as a 2008 Angel in Mary Beth Bruder Adoption. Throughout her 18 years of service Senator Christopher Dodd to the Delaware Children’s Department, she There are few parents more dedicated in their has truly exemplified their maxim: “think of the efforts than Dr. Mary Beth Bruder. Dr. Bruder child first.” She has consistently shown herself is a loving single mother of four daughters to be an innovative and compassionate figure adopted from China. Her children, Elizabeth, who works hard to meet the myriad needs of Kate, Mary Grace, and Annemarie, range in each child she works with. One of her many age from 2 to 10 years old. All four children responsibilities is that of a Recruitment Spe- have, or had, special needs, though Dr Bruder cialist for the New Castle County Permanency feels that all children have special needs—most Unit. In this capacity, Christine seeks perma- importantly for a family of their own. Her nent, loving homes for Delaware children who tireless commitment to her four children is an have had trouble being placed. Since 2004, Ms. inspiration to all parents. In addition to raising Montgomery has helped facilitate the place- her four children, Dr. Bruder is the Director of ment of more than 40 children, while also sup- the A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in porting hundreds more through the adoption Developmental Disabilities at the University of process. She believes, “there are no unwanted Connecticut (UCONN). She is also a profes- children, just unfound families.” Christine tire- sor of pediatrics and education psychology at lessly works to enrich and unite Delaware chil- the University of Connecticut and her area of dren, families and the entire community. In her expertise for the past 32 years has been early current role as a Family Services Assistant who childhood intervention. Both her personal and also serves on the board of the Wilmington professional commitments have converged as Drama League, Christine initiated a program Dr. Bruder has dedicated much of her time to that introduces arts and theatre to children in 27 Ten Years Celebrating…

foster care. Christine has made immeasurable parents. He partnered with the Sheriff, library contributions to the field of adoption and foster and Pound Puppies inventor to begin a reading care, which is what makes her a perfect Angel club for pre–K and kindergartners providing in Adoption. backpacks, books, library card applications, Pound Puppies, and child-abuse prevention tips for parents. As an adoptive parent, I am Florida impressed with the hard work that Jim Adams has done for the foster care children in my dis- Jim Adams trict. Jim’s leadership comes straight from his Representative Ander Crenshaw heart. Together with the children and families I nominate Jim Adams, CEO for Family whose lives he has touched, I nominate Jim Support Services of North Florida (FSSNF). Adams as a true Angel in Adoption. For three decades, Jim has improved child welfare services and juvenile justice in North- Amy U. Hickman east Florida. FSSNF and Jim are responsible Representative Ron Klein for the care of over 3,000 children. A natural Amy U. Hickman is a graduate of the Uni- leader, Jim was named one of our newspa- versity Of Florida College Of Law. She was per’s Change Agents for his “out-of-the-box” admitted to the Florida Bar in 1989. She is a thinking and leadership. Through his initia- partner in Hausmann & Hickman, P.A. and tives, FSSNF continues to rank first among her practice focuses on adoption, reproductive Florida’s Community Based Centers and has and juvenile law. Mrs. Hickman has placed broken state and national records as it final- children for adoption and represented par- ized 500 adoptions from foster care in FY ties in contested adoption and termination 07–08. Jim’s given foster children more than of parental rights cases. Prior to founding “room and board” — he has given them hope, Hausmann & Hickman, P.A., Mrs. Hickman stability and opportunity. Jim spearheaded a was a staff attorney with the Juvenile Advo- partnership for Operation Backpack and the cacy Project of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Legislative Delegation Adoption Awareness Beach County where she advocated on behalf campaigns. He partnered with a TV-channel of juveniles in State and Federal Courts. to focus on children available for adoption Mrs. Hickman is a member of the Executive through a weekly news spot. He initiated a Committee of the Family Law Section of the mobile, photographic Heart Gallery of Florida Bar and Chair of the Section’s Adop- children looking for their forever homes; made tion and Juvenile committee. Through the sure foster care children were included in the Family Law Section, she advocates to improve Mayor’s Book Club; saw that foster families and reform Florida’s adoption law. Amy co- took part in dyslexia screening; and arranged chaired The Florida Bar, Family Law Section’s for an educational specialist to track foster Ad Hoc Adoption Reform Committee during children’s academic progress and provided 2001–2002 together. Amy’s skill, knowledge, tailored tutoring. He created a partnership and understanding of adoption law (nation- with a woman’s club to provide “secret shop- ally and statewide) resulted in the Family pers” and arranged for Jacksonville’s Fire & Law Section being instrumental in reforming Rescue Department to collect Christmas gifts serious glitches in Florida’s adoption law. Amy for children in foster care. Jim obtained a co-authored what is now known as Florida’s grant to hire a staffer to concentrate on recruit- Putative Father’s Registry. Amy has since 2003 ment of adoptive families and another to buy drafted substantial further revisions to Flor- computers and training for foster children and ida’s adoption law and has lobbied Florida’s 28 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

legislature the past several years, improve due to successful adoption, and 98% of children Florida’s adoption law to provide stability and served remain in the first foster home in which finality for Florida’s adoptive children. This they are placed. In addition, clinical services year Amy’s legislative was finally embraced that focus on family systems development are by the House and Senate and signed into law offered, as well as monthly support groups to by the Governor. Mrs. Hickman provides both pre-adoptive and post-adoptive parents pro bono services to children through many within the community. Support groups for the local charitable organizations. She is a found- children are also offered. These groups allow ing board member of the Florida Adoption both parents and children to address issues that Counsel, a fellow of the American Academy pertain to the challenges and transitions they of Adoption Attorneys, and Vice President of experience, even after adoption has finalized. Kids Sanctuary, a local special needs group In 2007, KID celebrated 60 adoptions with our foster home. Mrs. Hickman was the recipient foster families. All KID program models are of the 2007 Chair’s Visionary Award Presented replicable, allowing for growth into new com- by the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar munities as funding becomes available. and the 2008 Star Award presented by the Florida Adoption Counsel. Stephanie Knight Representative Ginny Brown-Waite Kids In Distress Sixteen years ago, Stephanie Knight founded Senator Mel Martinez A Women’s Resource Center in Brooksville, Kids In Distress (KID) is a nationally accred- Florida. Over the years, her staff of eighteen ited agency that has been providing counsel- employees and volunteers has worked to ing and support services to at-risk children provide local families with the information and and their families since 1979. KID’s mission resources to address misconceptions about the is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse, process and the blessing of adoption. As time preservation of the family, and the care and went on, Stephanie renamed the center, A New treatment of abused/neglected children. Until Generation, to make the center more open to a few years ago KID was best-known primar- both men and women. A New Generation has ily for its emergency shelter care. Serving over been a resounding success. The center provides 7,000 children and their families annually, adoption training, which helps to guides pro- through comprehensive programs offering a spective parents through the entire process. A continuum of care, KID’s unique approach to New Generation relies on the local community, its supported foster/adoption care and family churches, and television stations to provide support services is now gaining attention and outreach in the community and help families praise statewide. KID believes that every through the adoption process. The impact that family has strengths to build upon and that, A New Generation, and other organizations in order to change the course of a child’s life, like it achieve, is evident in the life of the cen- not only the needs of the child but the needs ters Director and his wife. Nineteen years ago, and resources of the family as a whole must be they adopted their daughter through another taken into account. KID’s emphasis on appro- center, and today, all three selflessly give their priate matching of children with their foster/ time at the A New Generation. Stephanie has adoptive homes, and of providing consistent, been married to Scott Knight a 5th generation on-going family support, as opposed to the Floridian for almost 18 years, they have three standard approach of simply finding the child wonderful children, Ryan, Jeremy and Brielle. a bed, has had outstanding results. The proof They live on a ranch in Masaryktown, FL. is that 40% of KID foster homes close annually 29 Ten Years Celebrating…

Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc. Mary Ann Scherer Representative Kendrick B. Meek Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc. (“Our Several years ago, Mary Ann Scherer came Kids”) is the non profit lead agency created to State Senator Debby P. Sanderson, as her by local child advocates in response to state friend and legislator, regarding major prob- legislation mandating local control and leader- lems within the then existing Florida Adoption ship of child welfare services. Their innovative Statutes. She and Senator Sanderson worked “leadership model” is unique from all other tirelessly, for a number of years, to rectify and community-based care lead agencies in the bring forward solutions that would streamline state, tapping a diverse group of well-known and unencumber the process for the legitimate community leaders to act as stewards of an adoption entities in Florida. It was not an easy innovative design for community-based care. task, but one that begged for change, and put Our Kids’ mission is to provide leadership for, attention on the best interest of the children and oversight of, a system of care for abused waiting to be adopted and languishing in our and/or neglected children, and children at risk state. Senator Sanderson recounts how she of abuse and/or neglect, and their families, could not have moved forward on the issue in Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties. In its without Mary Ann Scherer’s deep commit- first year of operation, Our Kids had numer- ment and generosity of time, wisdom, compas- ous accomplishments including successfully sion, as well as, her thorough understanding transitioning one of the largest, most complex of the adoption process. Mary Ann Scherer’s regions in the state in four months, rather than tenacity and dedication to always consider the planned ten months. The organization the best interest of all parties; birth mothers, finalized the adoption of 1,150 children in its birth fathers, and of course, the adopted child first 3 years, exceeding its annual contract goal is unsurpassed. Mary Ann’s practice includes in 3 consecutive years. In December of 2006, both domestic and International adoptions. Our Kids was honored by the Florida legisla- She has gone above and beyond to assure legal ture for improved outcomes in foster care. The and successful adoptions. This would include pilot program is being hailed by legislators and approximately 2000 international and domes- the community alike for its early successes and tic adoptions, as well as, approximately 1500 is poised to serve as a national model for priva- agency adoptions. Mary Ann is a remarkable tizing foster care. Our Kids has made the pro- woman and has Florida’s complete admiration cess much easier and with less red tape. Events for her continued efforts. like the Miami Heart Gallery (www.miam- iheartgallery.com) and the annual National David and Merrie Schwartz Adoption Day Celebration have made it pos- Representative Jeff Miller sible for more children to be adopted. Today, I would like to recognize David and Merrie 36% of children in Miami and the Keys are Schwartz for their outstanding compassion adopted in 2 years, an unprecedented statistic and selflessness. For many people, the dream in the Southern Region and exceeds the federal of helping children is tabled until they have standard (32%). These extremely positive more money, more time, and so forth. But for results would not have occurred without the Merrie and David Schwartz, the decision to efforts of “Our Kids,” who serve as Angels to help the neediest of children could not have our most vulnerable children. been postponed. Their remarkable benevo- lence provided a home to a half-dozen children (almost all of whom they have adopted) and their unwavering love and patience has given 30 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

hope to the most disparaging of circumstances. of trains and settle down to play. I leave them Aside from each having three grown children with my husband to finish my self-guided tour. of their own from previous marriages, the On my walk, I begin to notice small stains and couple gladly sacrificed their jobs and regular scratches on the floor and stairs, and I realize income to care for foster children with extreme despite the size and impressive architecture, medical conditions. Through their sixteen this house is a real home for real people who years of marriage, David and Merrie Schwartz love children. Gene and Paige Atkinson are have adopted three of their former foster chil- those people. I met Gene in Church choir on dren (all of whom currently have or have had year ago. I have been told that the had four severe medical issues) and are in the process children and that he was also a foster parent. of adopting their fourth. The couple also cares Since I have three small children (two of which for two infants who were born premature. This are adopted), I was very interested to speak remarkable degree of kindness and philan- with him and ask parenting questions. In the thropy transgresses far beyond the bounds past year, I have learned that Gene’s family of common humanitarian efforts. Theirs is a has been host to 13 foster children over the story that awes and inspires and is deserving of last 5 years. Most of the children have come in unyielding gratitude. sibling pairs of a variety of ages, and stay vary- ing lengths of time. No matter how long a child stays or what emotional condition they arrive, Georgia every child benefits from the loving and stable environment of the Atkinson home. Atkinson’s Gene and Paige Atkinson four biological children play big brother or Representative David Scott sister to the new arrivals while Gene and Paige As I pull into the driveway of the Atkinson’s provide a Christian example through their house, I am struck by the beauty and gran- volunteer work in the church community. deur of the home and its surroundings. A long driveway leads up to the four story brick Dan and Susan Chapman home, which sits atop a small hill nestled in Representative Phil Gingrey the woods. I unload my three small boys (ages Dan and Susan Chapman live in Acworth, GA 8 months to three years) and begin the trek with their two daughters Grace (7) and MiMi up to the imposing front door. As we walk, (6). Susan retired from her career as a profes- my oldest son spots a riding toy car in the sional golf instructor when Grace was born in bushes and small statues of playful children in 2001. Dan has had a successful family owned the flower bed. We knock on the front door, business for over twenty-five years. He is very we are greeted warmly by our host, Gene active in their church (North Metro Church) Atkinson, who also designed and build this where he has been a member of the praise and magnificent structure. The Brazilian cherry worship band for seven years, and has also hardwood floors lead to a four story Tara style served on the Board at the church for a three spiral staircase. I ask Gene where we should year term. Dan and Susan founded “First go, and he answers, “oh anywhere! Just find Friday’s – China Adoption Journey” after a room where you feel comfortable.” So we adopting their daughter MiMi from China four begin exploring. My son wants to climb the years ago. First Friday’s is an “open house” for stairs up first, and on the next level we find families who were interested in adoption or are an entire floor of gigantic children’s bedrooms in the process of adopting from China. Dan complete with a small hidden playroom with a and Susan know first hand how much love firemen’s pole! The boys find the toy box full and support families need during and after the 31 Ten Years Celebrating…

adoption journey and what an incredible sense Idaho of community adopting a child from China creates. These gatherings provide a fun, infor- Stephen and Tanya Nakamura mal setting to connect and learn about China Representative Bill Sali adoption preparation, find support, and build Stephen and Tanya Nakamura have adopted lifelong friendships during this amazing jour- 2 children. They have a 5 year old son and a ney. Meeting other “like-minded” people helps 10 month older daughter. The Nakamuras are “make sense” of the many challenges during very active in foster care issues and awareness the adoption process and builds a community in their communities. between those who have travelled this road and those who are just beginning “the journey”. After three years of hosting First Friday’s Illinois in their home, the Chapman’s averaged over 90+ people each month and in October 2007 Muriel Collison decided to move First Friday’s to North Metro Representative Mark Kirk Church in Kennesaw, GA. Susan’s passion Muriel Collison truly deserves this recognition is mentoring families through their adoption because of her diligent efforts to improve the journey by empowering them emotionally, lives of disadvantaged Kazakh orphans. Ms. physically and spiritually. Dan, a devoted Collison’s generosity began when she delivered family man, shares Susan’s passion to mentor 100 bibs, 100 hats and 50 pairs of socks to the families along this journey. Together, they Nexbudka orphanage in Karaganda Kazakh- are finishing their first book entitled “Blessed stan during a trip to adopt her daughter Sophia Journey” which is a mentoring program last year. The following holiday season, Ms. designed to match mentors who have already Collision asked for donations to raise money adopted with families who are in the process for the orphans left behind in lieu of accepting of adopting. The Chapman’s believe being presents. Ms. Collison’s efforts enabled her to involved in an adoption community “works”. raise over $2,000, which she used to purchase Families benefit, but most importantly, the kids winter clothing and much needed medical who are waiting for their “forever families” supplies for the orphans. Desiring to help arrive home to families who are well prepared, more, Ms. Collison founded Kazapolooza, a mentally and emotionally, and know they have charity event, where families come together to a “built-in” support group. Everyone wins! celebrate the joy of adoption and to raise funds Dan and Susan are also founders of China for charities which aid orphanages in Kazakh- Tree, a Chinese Language and Culture School, stan. In conjunction with planning the next which meets at Kennesaw State University, Kazapolooza, Ms. Collison is currently collect- Kennesaw, GA. Susan serves as President and ing underwear and undershirts as donations Administrator of the school, Dan serves as the for “Operation Undergarment”, which she Vice-President of Extra-curricular Affairs. The plans to deliver to the Nezabudka orphanage school meets on Sunday afternoons and cur- next holiday season. Muriel’s work on behalf rently enrolls 75 children. of the orphans of Kazakhstan proves how the devotion and commitment of one person can make a huge difference in the world. She is an inspiration to all.

32 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

Michael and Nancy Dubois their homeland. The guidebook eases parents’ Representative Timothy V. Johnson concerns and allows them to enjoy their Nancy Dubois has been a biological mother, adventures in a new and unfamiliar land. For adoptive mother and foster mother. Her oldest over a decade, Christine has helped to lead a daughter was adopted from India in 1981. She summer heritage camp for Indian adoptees and and her husband Michael are also the adop- their families. She has also led several Adoptee tive parents of two daughters from Russia and Heritage Tours to India, sometimes subsidizing Romania. It was after returning from Russia the cost for others who could not afford to go with their daughter Nina, and being inspired otherwise. These actions speak volumes about to help the children left behind in the orphan- her unselfish generosity in helping others. ages, that Nancy and her late husband Larry Kurlander first had the vision to start a non Tom and Dixie George profit organization called Operation Starfish. Representative Jerry F. Costello Since its inception in 2002, Operation Starfish After raising their own children to adult- has helped over fifty families with financial hood, Tom and Dixie George became licensed grants to adopt children both internationally foster parents in 1981 and continued to foster and domestically. Nancy serves as the Execu- through 2002. Over the years they have cared tive Director of the organization. Most recently for more than 40 children, most of them having Nancy and her sister have established an very special needs. Mr. and Mrs. George truly Adoption Ministry at their church which will loved all the children that they have fostered. serve as a community resource to those seek- Over the years, Tom and Dixie adopted 7 chil- ing to adopt. Nancy and Michael Dubois are dren. All of the children have had special needs outstanding adoptive parents who have taken due to abuse and/or neglect that they suffered the initiative to assist others with the adoption from their birth homes. Their first adopted process. They are an excellent example of an son was a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome Illinois’ Angels in Adoption™. and was permanently disabled as an infant. Mr. and Mrs. George’s second adopted son Christine Futia also has significant disabilities and cannot Senator Richard Durbin live independently. Tom and Dixie’s last Christine Futia has been a strong advocate adopted child came to them as an infant. for Indian adoptions for many years. Chris- She was later diagnosed with Sturge-Weber tine adopted her first son from India 21 years Syndrome, has had brain surgery due to the ago and has adopted two more children since illness and will never develop normally nor then. Having lived in India as a high school live to adulthood. According to Kelly Foster exchange student, Christine developed a deep with the Illinois Department of Children and love for the country and its people. Naturally, Family Services, “looking back it must have India was an obvious choice for her when she been divine intervention that sent her to the decided to adopt her three children. Chris- George’s who continue to care for her and her tine’s unique experiences have proven to be complicated medical condition today.” Mr. a valuable resource for many families seek- and Mrs. George have worked successfully ing to adopt from India. Equally important is not only with foster children but birth parents her experience in traveling to India. To assist too. They have been able to help some birth parents who may be anxious about making the parents learn the skills they need to have their trip, Christine has created a guidebook for par- children returned to them. Tom and Dixie ents traveling to pick up a new child or bring- George are kind, loving people who through ing their older children back to India to revisit 33 Ten Years Celebrating…

their selflessness, good work and strong faith Lynn L. Wetterberg, M.S., C.P.A. have given so much to many. Representative Melissa L. Bean Lynn came to the world of adoption through The Night Ministry her children. She and her husband, James, Representative Rahm Emanuel have a 19 year old daughter whom they Since 1976, The Night Ministry has worked adopted from Romania in October 1990, a 24 with youth and adults in need throughout the year old son whom they adopted from Russia Chicagoland area. Regardless of race, ethnic- in March 1992 and who is currently serving ity, religion, sexual orientation or social status, in Iraq, an 18 year old daughter whom they they provide free health care and education, adopted from an Institution for the Irrecuper- rapid HIV testing and prevention counsel- able in Siret, Romania in December 1999 and a ing, referral assistance and a listening ear to 22 year old Romanian daughter also from Siret, adults and youth. The Night Ministry was who was adopted in 2003 from state foster care “created out of diverse religious traditions to subsequent to the failure of her first adoptive build relationships with vulnerable youth and placement. Lynn Wetterberg is currently serving adults on the nighttime streets.” Their Youth as the Executive Director of the Association Outreach Team provides supportive services for Treatment & Training in the Attachment of and referrals to homeless and at-risk youth in Children (ATTACh), a national organization of the Lakeview, Edgewater and Rogers Park clinicians, advocates and parents of children with neighborhoods. About 25,000 youth in Illinois disorders of attachment. Lynn also currently experience homelessness each year with nearly serves as co-founder and President of Comfort 10,000 in Chicago. These young people are the Children, a humanitarian aid and child advo- typically between the ages of 14 and 21, but cacy organization. Lynn is a founding member The Night Ministry has encountered youth of For the Children SOS, a grass roots organiza- as young as 10 and as old as 25. Their Youth tion which continues to advocate for Romania’s Housing Programs provide housing and sup- orphaned children. As co-founder and Executive portive services for homeless and runaway Director of Uniting Families Foundation (UFF), youth ages 14 through 20 and their children. Lynn assisted in the placement of more than 200 These programs provide safe, stable housing, children from orphanages overseas including meals and guidance. The staff helps each resi- the placement of more than 50 older and special dent develop a plan to achieve self-sufficiency, needs children. In April 1993, Lynn was invited setting goals in the areas of education, health to testify before the Congressional Coalition on care, job training, and next stage housing. Adoption Washington, D.C. concerning inter- Their Response-Ability Pregnant & Parenting national adoption issues. She has presented at Program provides supportive services to preg- conferences, has had articles published in news- nant and parenting teens, ages 14 through 18, letters both domestically and overseas, and is a to strengthen family support systems, reduce contributing author to Therapeutic Parenting: A subsequent pregnancies, keep teens in school, handbook for parents of children who have dis- improve parenting skills, and increase safety orders of attachment, an ATTACh publication. and stability of their living situations. They Lynn Wetterberg served for seven years on the offer these services in the community and at Board of Directors of Joint Council on Inter- an 8-bed, 8-crib shelter dedicated to homeless national Children’s Services, six years of which pregnant and parenting teens. Volunteering is she served as either the Treasurer or Vice-Chair critical to The Night Ministry’s work. of this national organization. Lynn Wetterberg remains devoted to the right of every child to be raised in a permanent, loving family. 34 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

Indiana spare time, she simply laughs and says “try to be good a parent, teach the kids to be tax Tony and Rett Foster payers, get involved in their community, get Representative Mike Pence the best education possible and do something When we heard that the mountains of paper- big with it.” Lamar keeps the girls involved in work and persistence had paid off with the the community through various Chinese and wonderful news that Abby and Laney were Vietnamese groups in Fort Wayne. Through finally home from China … our hearts were her admirable adoptions and continued work filled with joy and thanksgiving for the with children, we find Ann Lamar to be a opportunity that Tony and Rett Foster will deserving and well-qualified candidate for the give to these beautiful twin girls! This story Angels in Adoption award. is such an encouragement to all us who know how much adoption matters! Robin Foust Representative Mark Souder Anne Lamar Robin Foust has been a licensed foster parent Senator Richard Lugar with the Allen County Department of Child Ann Lamar, a Fort Wayne native, became an Services for several years and I have had the adoptive mother after receiving information pleasure of working with Ms. Foust during about the Gladney Agency from a friend in that time, and while she has been in the Texas. After visiting the agency and learn- process of adopting several of her children. ing of adoption availabilities in China, she At this time, she has finalized on two of her decided a Chinese adoption was a perfect children and is in the process of finalizing on fit for her. Nearly thirteen years after her three more. Shortly after Ms. Foust became first adoption, Lamar now has four adopted licensed she was asked to take a sibling group children: Libbi, 14, from Shanghai; Maggie, of three young girls, all special needs and all 11, from Vietnam; Callie, 10, from Vietnam; most likely would be placed for adoption. and Jenny, 9, from China. Lamar works Ms. Foust happily accepted the placement hard to ensure the girls keep in touch with only to find out that the girls birth mother their culture and heritage through celebrat- was expecting another child that would also ing special holidays and travelling to their need a home. Even though she is single, native countries when opportunities arise. Ms. Foust did not hesitate to take the child She would love to take each of the girls to home from the hospital so that he too could their home countries one day. Lamar was one be raised with his siblings. Since that time, of the first people in the Fort Wayne area the birth mother has had another child, and to adopt from China. “I have told my oldest Ms. Foust is now caring for all 5 children, daughter, she will never know how many all under the age of 7 and all whom have other children were adopted because of her,” their own special needs ranging from severe said Lamar. After Lamar became accustomed asthma to developmental delays and behavior to the adoption process she noticed the issues. As previously stated, Ms. Foust is a challenges and wrote an article on adoption; single person doing the majority of the care citing the fees assessed by the Secretary of for the children on her own. She is also a State’s office to emboss each form in the full time speech therapist at a local hospital. process. After the article was printed, the While she does have a wonderful network of Secretary of State stopped charging for this friends and co workers to help her with some process. When asked about what a mother of of her duties, she full takes on the respon- four pre-teen and teen daughters does in her sibilities of caring for all five children and 35 Ten Years Celebrating…

continues to be a strong and faithful advocate Kansas for her children in seeing that they get the assistance they need for their issues. Michelle Reed Representative Nancy Boyda In addition to adopting two children from Iowa Kazakhstan, Michelle Reed has become an advocate for international adoption by facili- David and Christine Skinner tating support groups and by serving on the Representative Tom Latham board of Two Hearts for Hope. Michelle is Congressman Latham is pleased to nominate truly an Angel in Adoption. Michelle’s story David and Christine Skinner of Zearing, Iowa begins in 2004 when a cousin and a friend as his 2008 Angels in Adoption. David and announced that they were adopting children Christine wrote a letter to the Congressman from Korea and China. To support her loved to advocate for 35 children that were removed ones, she began looking into the process. As from the Casa Quivira children’s home in Gua- Michelle says, “My husband and I had not temala. In their letter they shared their deep discussed adopting. We had two children. concern for the Guatemalan children but it My son, Jonas, was just starting high school wasn’t until subsequent letters from other con- in the fall and our daughter, Libby, was in stituents were received on the Skinner’s behalf middle school. The pictures of the children that it was realized that the Skinner’s adopted available for adoption were endless on the daughter Lilian was one of the 35 children in Internet. I began to think that we could give a question. At first the Skinner’s were not look- home — a family — to one of these children.” ing to adopt a child but they were asked if they In March of 2004, the Reeds signed an agency would consider adopting Lilian as she is deaf contract and they adopted their son Jess, and Christine is trained in working with the who was 3 at the time, from Kazakhstan. They hearing impaired. One look at Lilian’s photo traveled to Kazakhstan in November 2004 and and the Skinners were hooked. However, one lived there for 6½ weeks. In May 2005, they night in August of 2007 their dream of bring- signed a contract to return for a little girl that ing Lilian home began to unravel when the they met on their first trip who was also 3 years Guatemalan police raided the orphanage and old. They left in October, 2005 and returned took 35 children away with little or no trace. home in December with a new daughter, Jsera. Months of inquiries, working with Embassy When Michelle returned from her adoption officials and tenacious advocacy eventually journey in Kazakhstan, she started working to paid off when they received word that their help other families. “After our first adoption, little girl was one of 12 cases to be released we both became passionate about helping those and that they would soon be able to bring her that were thinking of adoption.” She is now the home. Even after Lilian was home they con- moderator of three Internet groups that provide tinued their quest to unite these children with support for families that are in the process of the families waiting in the United States. Their adopting internationally or integration assis- selfless advocacy epitomizes the Angels in tance for those that have already adopted. They Adoption program and deserves this important try to facilitate heritage knowledge, for example, recognition. by teaching parents to cook their child’s native foods. Michelle and her family also hosted an exchange student from Kazakhstan this year who taught them so much about their children’s heritage. Michelle is also a board member of 36 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

the newly formed organization, Two Hearts for simple. When she placed Danny into his adop- Hope, which raises donations to send supplies to tive home she know there were whispers of orphanages in Kazakhstan. Most of the supplies “how could she do that?” The attempt to shed she works so hard to find are those that many light on the issue of adoption was an attempt to of us take for granted, like shoes and warm lessen the stigma and shame that women experi- clothing. “The facilities aren’t perfect – there ence and it seemed worth the effort. She doesn’t are broken windows and sometimes there’s no consider herself a “poster birth mother” because heat. Because it’s just south of Siberia, the need she feels that all birth moms are different and for warm clothing is magnified.” When speak- grow from the experience in unique and awe- ing about her visits to Kazakhstan she said, some ways. But what we all have in common is “Once you leave those other children behind, the desire to give our children what we could you are not allowed to forget them.” The love, not at the time. Love is never the issue, we all warmth, faith and passion for helping others love our children. In face could there be an that Michelle posses shines through when you act that is more loving? Debbi has worked for meet her. I am pleased to say that once you meet Catholic Charities Community Counseling Michelle, you are not allowed to forget her or Services as their adoption coordinator for 5½ the joy she has brought to others. years. During this time she has united many adoptive parents and their newborn babies. Debbi Thomas Stone Adoptive parents describe Debbi as “no one Representative Todd Tiahrt better to work with,” “a caring, kind and gener- Debbi Thomas Stone’s adoption journey began ous person, who knows the adoption process when she experienced an unplanned preg- better than anyone,” she is truly the ideal adop- nancy and gave birth to her first child in 1983. tion worker and Catholic Charities is proud to Daniel “Danny” Patrick Platts is now 25 years have her. old and is the son of Patrick Platts and Diane Bueller. Five years after placing Danny into his adoptive home, Debbi reconnected with the Kentucky family through the attorney that handled the adoption. Debbi and Diane found themselves Maryhurst traveling down the road of “open adoption” Senator Jim Bunning which seemed unchartered, at least in Kansas. This September Maryhurst, the oldest child Debbi states that placing her first born child for welfare agency in the Commonwealth of adoption was the motivation for her to return Kentucky, will be celebrating their 165th to college and obtain a degree in social work in anniversary. Founded in 1843 by the Sisters order to work directly with birth and adoptive of the Good Shepherd, Maryhurst is a private, families. She felt that this would be another pos- non profit agency in Louisville that provides itive way to grown from her journey. In addition residential, in-home and community-based the idea of resiliency fascinated Debbi and treatment programs to children with severe she felt that being resilient from this emotional emotional disabilities, most often caused by experience would also give the Platts family the traumatic experiences of abuse and neglect. respect and love that she felt for them. Debbi’s Maryhurst is fully licensed as a child caring, story has been printed in the Hutchison News, child placement and adoption service provider Adoptive Family Magazine, and “Making Room in Kentucky, serving more than 600 children in Our Hearts; Keeping Family Ties through and families each year. I would like to congrat- Open Adoption,” by Micky Duxbury. Debbi’s ulate Maryhurst as they celebrate 165 years reason for exposing her story to the public is of providing services to children and families 37 Ten Years Celebrating…

across the Commonwealth. I appreciate the Darla and Cheyenne are a voice for Mary hard work and dedication of the Maryhurst Kendall Adoption Program in Bowling Green, staff. They will have a lasting impact on the Kentucky speaking with families consider- lives of so many people and they are truly an ing adoption. Darla’s position as a television inspiration to all. anchor also gives her a platform to speak about adoption. She uses that outlet in so many ways Darla and Cheyenne Oglesby with one goal in mind … planting a seed so Representative Ron Lewis that other families would be able to experi- Darla and Cheyenne became an advocate ence the same joy the miracle of adoption has of adoption the moment their 1st child was provided for her and her family. placed in their arms. They both had a desire to adopt long before but thought they would Jeff and Amy True have biological children first and adopt later in Representative Harold Rogers life. It wasn’t until years of infertility that Darla Although residing in Ohio at the time, the and Cheyenne realized adoption was not only Trues adopted their son, Jacob, in 1999 in their plan ... but in God’s plan as well. The through a Kentucky-based adoption agency. couple was just about to start the process of That same year, Jeff and Amy moved to adopting, when tragedy struck. On Nov. 4th, Kentucky with a heart-felt desire to continue 2005, Darla’s parents were killed by a drunk to serve the adoption community. Almost driver. Needless to say, their plans to adopt immediately, the Trues became involved in were put on hold in order to give their family temporary foster care for babies being placed time to grieve. Because her parents were hit by for adoption. If adopting families are unable to a drunk driver, the family was also faced with immediately receive a baby or a family needs a double murder trial for the man involved in to be identified, the Trues have served as an the crime. On the day of final sentencing (the intermediary to care for these babies until they LAST day the family was to be in court) … as can be properly placed with their new parents. the family was walking out of the courthouse Other times, adopting families have stayed in for the last time, Darla and Cheyenne’s miracle the Trues’ home in Louisville, Kentucky until came when they received the phone call about paperwork is completed and the united families their son. They flew out to Utah the next are able to begin their new lives at home. morning (Dec. 21, 2006) to meet Liam Gabriel During these times, Jeff and Amy are able Oglesby who was almost 4 weeks old at the to share their experiences and connect with time. Their second miracle came less than a adoptive parents. Over the past eight years, the year later on Nov. 4, 2007. It was the 2 year Trues have hosted well over 100 families from anniversary of the terrible crash that claimed around the country forming lifelong friendships Darla’s parents. That day they learned a birth with many new families. In 2001, Jeff and Amy mother was about to deliver a baby girl and were again blessed through adoption with the had chosen them to be her adoptive parents. birth of their daughter, Mallory. She is African- Darla and Cheyenne were at the hospital when American and has prompted the Trues to Nadia Cathryn Isabella was born on Dec. 3, become strong advocates for interracial adop- 2007. Needless to say, the placement of these tion. As both foster parents for adoption and 2 children has changed the course of Darla adoptive parents themselves, the Trues have and Cheyenne’s future. They now advocate for chosen to give back to this unique community the lives of other children in need of forever in profound ways. For these reasons, Jeff and homes and for the birth mothers who sacrifice Amy True are true Angels in Adoption. so much to provide a better life for their babies. 38 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

Louisiana in despair, including the elderly, children, the most vulnerable of her community. Charmaine Christi Jones and Sandi Pratt is very committed to raising awareness about Representative Rodney Alexander the need for permanent homes for children Christi Jones and Sandi Pratt a true Angels across our country and most recently served through their passionate work as volunteers as the entertainment at the Child Welfare with the Court Appointed Special Advocates League of America’s annual conference in New (CASA of Northeast Louisiana) program Orleans this past December. located in Monroe, Louisiana and their creation of the Heart Gallery of Northeast Louisiana, a mobile display of children in need Maine of a forever family. These dedicated women have helped countless children in north Loui- Rick and Lori Hafner siana find the one thing every child needs and Senator Susan M. Collins deserves a good home and a family who loves Rick and Lori Hafner, who are from Auburn, and provides for them. Maine, have two adopted sons, Jason and Manny, both of whom had serious health Charmaine Neville problems when they were growing up. Rick Senator Mary Landrieu and Laurie adopted their first son, Jason, An adoptive mother and local music icon, when he was about a month old. Jason was Charmaine Neville is an inspiration. Her pas- born with a unilateral cleft pallet and required sion for children is ever-present in both her major operations when he was three months personal and professional life. When you meet and then again at eight months old. Jason is Charmaine it is easy to see that she expresses now 22 and only has a small scar that is barely herself best through music. What type of music noticeable to remind him of his condition at she communicates with is up to the listener. birth. Jason attended the University of Maine “All music is good music,” Charmaine says at Presque Isle and has taken a position with firmly. “I try to cover the whole spectrum and the Kennebunk Police Department as a full do just everything. I don’t want to be stagnated time officer. Rick and Laurie’s younger son, and stuck in a rut … People ask, ‘Oh, what Manuel, or “Manny,” came to them from the category would you put your music in?’ and Dominican Republic at the age of four. He I say, ‘Good!’” Born into the third generation had been abandoned by his birth mother when of the New Orleans legendary musical family, she learned that he had a heart condition and Charmaine has nonetheless worked hard to get was eventually sent to an orphanage. He first where she is and make her music known as her came to Portland, Maine, accompanied by own. The work has paid off — as one reviewer a nun, to have surgery to repair a hole in his recently wrote, “Charmaine Neville is begin- heart. Manny’s surgery was done at Maine ning to rival her father and uncles in terms of Heart Surgical, where Lori works as an RN. popularity in New Orleans.” She started out After the five-hour surgery, Manny went to backing up the Neville Brothers and went on stay with the Hafner’s, rather than returning to perform with the survivors, a band whose to the orphanage in Santa Domingo. After alumni list includes Harry Connick Jr. and three years of red tape, they were finally able Bobby McFerrin. Charmaine is a local hero in to officially adopt Manny. He is now 17 years her own right. She chose to stay behind when old and attends E. L. High School in Auburn, Hurricane Katrina devastated the coast of where the family resides. In the future, Manny Louisiana and helped her neighbors who were plans to attend college and ultimately become 39 40 41 WendysAngelsInAdoptionAd:Layout 1 8/29/08 9:01 AM

We’re proud to

support the Holt is Angels in Adoption a proud program. sponsor of Angels in Adoption.

www.holtinternational.org

42 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

a pharmacist. According to Rick and Laurie, reach legal permanence when a child enters they “have been blessed with two young men foster care. Time and again, Mark Millar’s that they could not be prouder of and who will tireless leadership on behalf of children and make a positive contribution to society every families has exemplified what American novel- day that they are on this planet.” ist, Herman Melville, once said about our obligation to common good, “We cannot live for Mark Millar ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand Senator Olympia Snowe invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, Mark Millar truly deserves to be an Angel in our actions run as causes and return to us as results.” Adoption™ because of his steadfast commit- What a well-deserved honor indeed! ment to achieving permanent family connections for children in foster care in Maine. Mark Millar has been a critical part of Casey Maryland Family Services in Portland for more than twenty years. In that time, he and his dedicated Felicia Jackson staff have truly helped transform the lives of Representative Chris VanHollen countless families, by promoting kinship care, The essence of an “Angel in Adoption” is providing counseling and other services to personified by the selflessness, perseverance strengthen families post-adoption, and helping and devotion of Felicia Jackson, a single Maine reduce the amount of time required to mother of 14 children now living in Poolesville, Maryland. Ms. Jackson grew up in different foster homes beginning when she was three years old. She and her younger siblings—two sisters and a brother—were initially separated but were reunited several years later when one foster family agreed to care for all the children. Because of their painful experiences at such tender ages, the children, and especially the girls, vowed never to be separated again or to let any children they might later have be torn from their family. In 2004 Felicia learned that her younger sister, Cassandra, suffered from a terminal illness. Tragically, Cassandra died of cancer that year, leaving her ten children without parents or a home. Before her sister died, Ms. Jackson vowed that she would not let her nieces and nephews grow up in foster care as they had. When her sister lost her battle with cancer, Ms. Jackson assumed legal responsibility for all ten nieces and nephews. In order to meet the demands of raising 14 children, Ms. Jackson was forced to leave her full-time job at a county correctional facility for a part-time position working as a mall security guard. Due to the strains of such a large family, Ms.

43 Ten Years Celebrating…

Jackson’s husband left, leaving the 14 children Massachusetts to be raised by a single mother on a part-time income. The newly-expanded but close-knit Christine Altieri family has experienced enormous difficulties. Representative Stephen Lynch These included the challenges of finding suit- Christine Altieri is a Public School Kindergar- able affordable housing, often being turned ten Teacher. She first became involved with down by landlords due to the size of their foster care when she fostered a former student family, having to accept housing that violated who entered the foster care system. Christine housing occupancy standards, living with hous- is a Foster Parent Liaison for Massachu- ing code violations, and being placed in shelters setts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty and shelter-motels, all the while struggling to to Children – Brockton and Editor of The make ends meet. The family’s housing needs Foster Care Review— a monthly Newsletter were answered when “Extreme Makeover: for Foster Parents. She serves as a Coordina- Home Edition” and a group of dedicated volun- tor and Foster Parent Support Group Leader teers built a beautiful and permanent new home and provides long term foster placement for for them this summer in Poolesville, Maryland. babies and young children. She has been a Despite her financial hardships, the break-up of foster parent for 5 years. Christine tells all who her marriage, and the struggle to find housing will listen that she has a wonderful support for her family, Ms. Jackson has been true to the system which includes husband, children, promise she made to her sister. She is living out extended family, co-workers and friends. the central goal of all adoptions – to provide a Christine happily resides with husband Victor, loving home for children. children Jesse (18), Lexi (14), Anthony (3) who was adopted on National Adoption Day Margret E. Swain 2007, and Nickolas (8 month old foster child). Representative Benjamin L. Cardin Her goals for the future include: to help bring Margaret E. Swain, RN, JD is an attorney faster permanency for foster children, foster who represents adoptive parents, birth parents parent recruitment and bringing awareness and children in adoption cases. She serves on of foster care and foster children to suburban the Board of the American Academy of Adop- communities. In all of her spare time, Christine tion Attorneys, which is dedicated to helping enjoys creating life books/ picture scrapbooks children find safe, permanent homes. She also for her foster children and working with and works to organize the National Adoption Day mentoring foster parents, adoptive parents and celebration in Baltimore County, Maryland biological parents( with children in care). that highlights the success of adoptions. Ms. Swain also works with the Baltimore County Karen K. Greenberg Bar Association, preparing the adoption sec- Representative Barney Frank tion of their Bench-Bar Book. In addition to Karen came to my Congressional office over her private practice, Ms. Swain works pro- twenty years ago looking for assistance with bono in cases of great need. Ms. Swain’s good the adoption of her own child. She was suc- work was brought to our attention by her cessful and has been a proud mother ever children who, along with many others, admire since. Karen has been a practicing adoption Margret Swain’s dedication and tireless work lawyer for over twenty years in the town of as an advocate for adoption. Wellesley, Massachusetts, which is in my Con- gressional district, at the law firm of Konowitz & Greenberg, P.C. Karen has also been a pioneer in advocacy. She was a founding member 44 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

of the American Academy of Adoption Attor- raising his three beloved children as a blessing neys and is currently serving as its president. — but the thousands of children he has helped In this role, she has worked in supporting the over the years and all those who know him rights of children to live in safe, permanent certainly do. homes, promoting reform of adoption laws and actively participating in the drafting of various Jack Williams adoption legislation, among them, the Hague Senator Edward M. Kennedy Convention on Intercountry Adoption and the Jack Williams is the evening news anchor of new Interstate Compact on the Placement of the CBS affiliate in Boston, Massachusetts. Children. Karen has also been published in Williams has been a respected journalist since adoption law journals and has been a speaker 1968, and has been recognized for his contin- on the topic of adoption at various events. ued commitment to the community through the numerous charitable organizations he Raymond O’Brien actively promotes. In 1981, Williams created Senator John Kerry a weekly news series called “Wednesday’s Raymond O’Brien, President and Founder Child” which has become the model for televi- of Children are Angels from Heaven, is a sion stations throughout the nation. Each wonderful example of what an Angel in week, “Wednesday’s Child” features a special Adoption™ should be. A truck mechanic by needs child who is in search of a permanent trade, Ray visited India in 1996 after being home. Since its creation, the segment has asked by his adopted daughter what the land helped more than 525 special needs children of her birth was like. His trip to India, which find loving homes. In addition, Williams is included several orphanages and social service responsible for raising more than $5,000,000 agencies, inspired him to found Children are for special needs adoption. In April 2000, Wil- Angels from Heaven shortly after his return liams created the Jack Williams Endowment to Medford, Massachusetts. In the interven- for Wednesday’s Child, a 501(C)(3) charity to ing 12 years, Ray has built an international ensure continued financial support for special nonprofit dedicated to helping “profoundly needs adoption. disadvantaged children pursue productive and meaningful lives” because as he writes, “At birth all children are equal in innocence and Michigan hope. But they are not equal in circumstance and opportunity. Birth is not a crime”. Rely- Mike and Jamie Brandmair ing largely on a network of family members, Representative Dave Camp friends, and students from several area paro- I am proud to nominate Mike and Jamie chial schools, Ray has made numerous trips Brandmair as Angels in Adoption. Mike to India to deliver clothes, school supplies and and Jamie are truly exemplary people. After much-needed equipment to support the efforts raising their own children, they recognized of organizations in India dedicated to help- that there were still many children in need of ing Indian orphans and the desperately poor. loving homes. Through their efforts, they have Children are Angels from Heaven has no paid already adopted three children, and are adopt- staff (Ray’s wife, Patty serves as the organiza- ing three more. They have also taken in over tion’s Treasurer) and is completely volunteer 30 foster children, and are often one of the first driven. The proud father of three adopted chil- calls when an emergency placement is needed. dren, Ray O’Brien doesn’t consider himself an What stands out to those that work with them, Angel – he views his work and the privilege of is their unwavering dedication to the children 45 Ten Years Celebrating…

in their care. They have adopted two sisters, daughter this last August. She will start kinder- Courteney and Shannon, both of whom have garten in the fall and has learned how to swim special needs, as well as another child, Jakob, and ride a bike. who has battled drug dependency as an infant. They are also in the process of adopting broth- David and Cassie Hambleton ers Matt and Todd, for whom Mike and Jamie Representative Tim Walberg are helping to become successful young men. When asked about her most memorable By welcoming these children into their homes, experience with adoption, Cassie Hambleton’s they are giving them a lifetime of opportuni- answer was “They’re all memorable”. Cassie’s ties. The Brandmairs, recognizing that family answer highlights the love and care that the is important, have pursued adopting siblings Hambletons offer the children who com- whenever possible. They have also insisted on prise their family. The Hambletons consider maintaining Jakob’s connection with his sib- adoption a wonderful way to add to a family, lings that have been placed with other families. whether couples are able to biologically bear This dedication to their children’s emotional children or not because as Cassie says, “there wellbeing is worthy of the highest praise. Too are many families with love to share and many often, children adopted or placed in foster children who need it.’ David Hambleton was care lose all biological ties. By maintaining in the Navy and stationed overseas when the this relationship, Mike and Jamie are show- Hambletons adopted Grace (11) and Eliana ing their children the true definition of love (9). Both were born to single women in the and family. I believe that Mike and Jamie service. J. Jonathon (6) and Heidilynn (3) exemplify all of the good things that adoptive were later both adopted through the foster care and foster parents should be. I know all of the system. David shared that they came to recog- children who have been lucky enough to be nize how many needy children are in our foster in their home appreciate their hard work and care system and have since made a purposeful love. It is my great honor and pleasure to rec- choice to adopt foster children. J. Jonathon is ognize Mike and Jamie Brandmair as Angels African American and the three brothers who in Adoption. will soon join their family (ages 10, 7, and 6) are bi-racial, which will make the Hamble- Ronald and Stephanie Bellisario tons a racially diverse family of nine. Their Representative Joe Knollenberg social worker shared that. “The Hambletons Congressman Joe Knollenberg would like understand the issues in adoption that children to nominate Ronald and Stephanie Bellisario face by acknowledging the bitter-sweetness of for their outstanding dedication to adopting a adoption in the losses and gains that such chil- precious little girl form Liberia named Gianna. dren face. They have demonstrated the ability Mr. & Mrs. Bellisario have two beautiful to honor the positive qualities of a child’s birth biological daughters named Francesca and family while gently communicating age appro- Sophia. When they learned of the difficulty priate facts that led to their adoption. David to conceive another child they decided to and Cassie have included birth family members complete their family through adoption. They as a part of their extended family when it has researched many countries and found that been in the best interest of the child. They Liberia, West Africa was at a 90% unemploy- honor one another and work together as a ment and 85% illiteracy rate that has left a team in creating a healthy and loving family in significant amount of children orphaned. They which to grow and thrive. David and Cassie discovered an adoption agency in Liberia and indeed give their children roots so they are they received their precious 5 year old new grounded and wings so they may someday fly.” 46 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

Rob and Christa Murphy Fred and Ruthann Odren Representative Pete Hoekstra Representative Vernon J. Ehlers This “ordinary” family is definitely doing Fred and Ruthann Odren have been foster “extraordinary” things! Bethany Christian and adoptive parents for D.A. Blodgett for Services had the honor of working with this Children since 1991. Over the past 16 years, family to help them in their pursuit of adopting the Odrens have provided care for over 40 a child from Zambia. Rob, Christa, and their special needs children, and have adopted five three biological daughters had previously lived of these children into their family — a family in Zambia and were involved in mission work that also includes five biological children. It there. Christa is a medical doctor and Rob is was a natural step for the Odrens to become involved in church ministry. During their time a licensed foster home in 1991, and an adop- there they met a little boy who was HIV positive home in 1996. In addition to providing tive, very sick, and whose mother had already a foster and adoptive home for special needs died of HIV. During their time there they had children, the Odrens have been an inspiration the sad experience of also witnessing this little for other families in the community. As win- boy’s death. After returning to the United ners of a prestigious local award recognizing States the family’s “vision and heart continued their role in recruiting other families to become to ache and weep over the suffering” they saw foster and adoptive parents, Ruthann and Fred when they were there and they felt compelled have been mentors to a number of new foster to somehow walk alongside the children who parents and have been involved in training experience the injustice they witnessed. They foster and adoptive parents for many years. knew that an orphan who is born HIV posi- They have worked closely with birth parents tive has a death sentence in Africa. They state toward a reunification with their children, that “being an orphan is a tragedy, but most and have maintained supportive relationships orphans still grow up. Orphans with HIV/ with parents whose parental rights have been AIDS don’t get that chance.” Although they terminated. Ruthann has served as a member wrestled with some of the difficult questions of the Foster Parent Advisory Council for over like: “What if one of our children got infected? five years, and with Fred, works to maintain a What if we were to lose close friendships positive relationship with D.A. Blodgett and because people would be afraid?”, with no other social service agencies. Above all else, hope of tomorrow and almost none of being the Odrens are devoted to helping the children adoption. Thus, their eventual decision was to in their care reach their highest potential, and adopt a child from Zambia who is HIV posi- to ensure that the child welfare system acts in tive. Their entire family traveled to Zambia a way that promotes the child’s best interests. last Christmas to complete the adoption of little The Odrens are not a couple who seek out Isaiah. He is a little happy boy with an infec- attention for their work as foster and adoptive tious smile and he connected with his parents parents, but rather have become an inspiration and three sisters quickly. Little Isaiah, once an for others because they live out their commit- orphan, is now home with his forever family. ment to special needs children day by day, The Murphy’s are now strong advocates for month by month, year after year. Fred and not only the adoption of orphans, but in addi- Ruthann Odren are truly individuals most tion, the adoption of children who are HIV deserving of special recognition. positive. Their motivation is found in Proverbs 31:9, “Are you willing to be a voice for those who have no voice and ensure justice for those who are perishing?” 47 Ten Years Celebrating…

Minnesota Tom and Sue Ibs Representative Michele Bachmann Keith and Beth Heintz Tom and Sue Ibs have six biological chil- Senator Norm Coleman dren, ranging in age from 29 to 13. Like so Although the Heintz family already had three many families, they thought that adoption children of their own and had not originally was primarily for small families or for parents intended to adopt Noah, they had a strong unable to conceive themselves. One day, while desire to expand their family and began their looking through a church directory, Sue was adoption of little Noah in October 2006. They struck by how many large families there were Heintz family heard Noah’s story from a young with adoptive children. She began to think, if woman at their church who interned at Noah’s they can do it so can we. Simultaneously and orphanage in Jamaica. She had explained to independently, Tom was thinking hard about them that Noah has spina bifida and needed the adoption option for their family as well. medical treatment in the United States, but Clearly, the Ibs household is one that knows the orphanage was having a hard time find- no bounds for love and caring. They wanted to ing someone to file a medical visa for him. share the joy that they experienced as a family The family wanted to help Noah by filling a with an orphaned child. Five years ago, they medical visa for him and traveled to Jamaica set out to adopt a special needs child from a to meet Noah, but immediately after meeting part of China near the Korean border. Little Noah, they knew that a medical visa was not Jacob has one foot not fully developed, but in sufficient and began the process of adopting all other respects, he’s just like any little boy. him. Beth Heintz, a registered nurse has often And at the age of 4, he became a part of the seen this type of affliction and knew they could Ibs family. A few years later, Tom and Sue provide him with proper care. The Heintz returned to another region of China to adopt family knew they had found Noah for a reason Grace, who was then only 18 months old. She and that he was the addition they were looking was considered special needs because she’s for. The Heintz family was moving through cross-eyed. Today, she is a happy little 3-year- the adoption process when it suddenly stopped old, with 7 older brothers and sisters, growing progressing. Given the severity of Noah’s up in the close-knit community of Big Lake, condition they reached out to Senator Cole- Minnesota. Sue said that their six biological man’s office for assistance in ensuring that the children were very excited to adopt two babies process continued smoothly. Following contact into their loving family. And, it is clear that from Senator Coleman to USCIS and the Con- the Ibs children also have the kind of servant’s sulate Noah’s physical was promptly scheduled spirit that Tom and Sue have. In fact, one is and the adoption was able to continue. Keith teaching English in Korea and another has just said “Noah’s adoption was the product of departed for Kenya to work as a missionary. three large miracles and a few smaller ones.” The Ibs family may appear to be an everyday He stated that “without the help of Senator average family, but a closer look reveals a truly Coleman’s office we would have never been inspirational picture of love and devotion to all. able to get this adoption done when we did.” The Ibs Family is a true story of how limitless The Heintz family is now all back in Minne- the capacity for love and caring truly is. sota and as Keith indicated “Noah is adapting extremely well because that’s who he is; just a Cory and Tammy Myran happy kid!” Keith and Beth Heintz have also Representative Jim Oberstar started the process of adopting another child One of the most important issues in adoption from Jamaica. this year has been the efforts to continue 48 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

ethical adoptions from Vietnam. To that end, “home”. Now, the Munns have transitioned Cory and Tammy Myran have been dedicated from foster care to full adoption. Mr. Munn and passionate advocates to ensure that vul- describes their reasons for the transition into nerable Vietnamese children continue to have adoption as “just not being able to let them go.” the opportunity for a family. In July, they They are parents to six adopted children rang- wrote to ask for my support to encourage the ing in age between 5 and 20 years old, many of State Department and the government of Viet- whom have special needs, such as autism, cere- nam to negotiate an updated Memorandum of bral palsy, ADHD and depression, which the Understanding (MOU) that would address Munns are dedicated to providing for. At eight the legitimate concerns with the adoption years old, they saw one of their children take system in Vietnam, but would also ensure that his first steps, a development which doctors Vietnamese orphans would not be abandoned. previously thought to be a highly improbable. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Coalition on Mrs. Munn, with her nursing background, has Adoption, Jim Oberstar was pleased to lead the skills necessary to constantly care for these a Congressional letter initiative to Secretary children. They have taken on the responsibil- of State Condoleezza Rice that secured the ity of managing doctor visits and working with support of 149 Members of Congress. This the children’s school to develop specialized is an issue that is very personal for Cory and education programs. All six will be in school Tammy. In December 2006, they responded to starting the fall 2008 semester with the young- the call to adopt from Vietnam and welcomed est starting Kindergarten. John, an employee John Thomas Thank Ngac Myran into their of Lazy-Boy, and Kathy, now a stay-at-home home. Their advocacy for Vietnam adoptions mom, have put the well being of their children continues as they are planning to adopt their at the forefront of their lives. Their determina- second child from Vietnam. Through their tion to enrich the lives of children, especially advocacy and action, Cory and Tammy Myran those with special needs, in foster care and have demonstrated that dedicated families can now in their own family, is why they are great make a difference to promote adoption. examples of what the Angels in Adoption Pro- gram wishes to recognize.

Mississippi Steve and Becky Watkins Senator Thad Cochran John and Kathy Munn Becky Watkins has always had a tenderness Representative Chip Pickering for children, especially those who have been For several years, Kathy Munn has been abused or neglected. In 1990, Becky had an advocating and adopting children with special opportunity to open her home to two teenage needs. She was active originally in foster care girls that were attending high school with her programs in her home state of Maine and daughter. Both were being sexually abused by has continued that service since her move to their biological father and in order to take them Mississippi. Continuing her work in foster into her home, she had to become a licensed care with her husband (a native of Decatur, foster parent. Taking in these two children Mississippi), John and Kathy Munn knew marks one of the most rewarding experiences they wanted to be a part of the foster care in Becky’s life. After they were returned to programs in Mississippi even before they got their mother, the Department of Human Ser- married. The couple built their house around vices continued to call and ask Becky to take their desire to be of service to children. Since in more children. She was fortunate enough then, over 80 children have called their house to have her company support her work with 49 Ten Years Celebrating…

children in the child welfare system, and are born of the heart. The Watkins are very she would later convince them to cover blessed as our children get to travel all over foster children under there primary health the world through our benefits with Delta Air insurance — which remains the policy Lines. We have also had excellent benefits for today. It was difficult being a single mom, the best medical coverage and resources for and particularly a single foster mom. their youngest two children. In their spare Becky began to meet other foster and time, Steve and Becky are lay leaders in the adoptive parents, and in 1994 she founded United Methodist Church and attend First the Mississippi Foster and Adoptive United Methodist Church in Quitman, Mis- Parents Association. The purpose of the sissippi. They serve as mentors in our school organization was to bring about change district and are active in the Quitman Parent in the child welfare system in Mississippi Advocates Working for Solutions (PAWS) while providing a network of support in our community. Their work continues in for foster and adoptive parents. In 1997 the Mississippi Foster and Adoptive Parent her organization was successful in seeing Association and the National Foster Parent Senate Bill 2173 (BEANie Baby Bill) Association. Steve and Becky were honored by pass for our state, and later it would be the Mississippi Legislature with a bill passed adopted by 37 states as a model for Foster honoring our work for advocacy and change Parent Bill of Rights and revamping in the children welfare system of Mississippi. the child welfare system. The organiza- Their children range in ages: Kevin, 38, Kelli, tion was also the first state organization 31, Wes 30, Adam, 27, Kratin, 23, Jonathan, recognized by the National Foster Parents 16, Gage, 9 and Drew 9. Foster children: 14 Association. To date, Becky remains as full time – long term and 31 respite children the President and sits on the Council of in foster care. Through their efforts they hope State of Affiliates for the National Foster to have made a difference not only in the lives Parent Association representing Missis- of our children but also the lives of children in sippi foster and adoptive parents. Becky the child welfare system of Mississippi and the continued her many years in advocacy United States. work for children both as a foster parent and adoptive parent. In 1999 I was truly blessed with a wonderful and Godly man Missouri in her life. At the time she had two (twin) foster children age 6 months that both John and Micky Baltes had very special needs. This would have Representative Roy Blunt deterred most men, but God truly does My husband John called from his office in bless and reward. Steve is an International Branson and asked if I would mind telling the Pilot (Captain) with Delta Air Lines. story of our family. I will try to tell how we At the time of our marriage Steve and came to be the parents and grandparents of Becky instantly had his, hers and theirs this beautiful group of people we love to call — what a wonderful blended family. Most ours. We began to grow with the births of our thought the Watkins were crazy with 8 two oldest. John Anthony was born Novem- kids between the two of them, but they ber 22, 1970, and Christopher Allen was born saw it not as a chance meeting but a gift October 3, l972. I had always wanted a large from God. When explaining their story, family, and had also always felt a special pull the Watkins often say that some children towards adoption. John and I spent many, are born of the womb and some children many evenings planning and dreaming about 50 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

adopting a child, and when our youngest was before the process was complete. Surprise! about two years old we began to explore the We received a phone call telling us about a 10 possibility of adopting a Native American month-old Bi-racial boy who was ready right child, since John is part Black Foot. We were then for a home. We fell in love with the little told that it wasn’t possible, so we changed guy, and after several visits with him in his direction a bit. We feel very strongly that every foster home, we were able to bring him home. child needs and deserves a loving home. We Joseph Michael was born July 5, l981, and talked to agencies in Ohio, where we were was ll months old when he came home with us. living the time, about the possibility of adopt- Through Family Services, Catholic Charities ing a child, any child, regardless of race or of Illinois contacted us about a baby. He was “special needs”. Friends of ours had friends in bi-racial, and had been given up for adoption. Costa Rica to whom they told our story, and Our family was chosen by the birth mother they suggested that we try to adopt a Costa because we already had children of other races, Rican child. After two years of paper work and and we were Catholic. The baby was born on government regulations, we got a phone call August 26, l984, and was about two months one night, telling us that our baby girl had just old when we named him Patrick Michael and been born. Two months later we were able to brought him home. Very shortly after Pat- travel to Costa Rica to bring back our daugh- rick’s adoption became final, Family Services ter, Linda Maria, who was born in San Jose on called us about another baby. This little girl September 29, l977. She was about 2 months was born in Kansas City, was bi-racial, and old when we were able to welcome her into our her birth mother was unable to care for her. family. Shortly thereafter we moved from Ohio Christy Leighanne was born on October to San Diego, California. Still wanting to grow 10, l986, and we traveled to Kansas City to as a family we contacted the Children’s Home bring her back to our home. It was hard, but Society of San Diego, and began the process we felt that our family was finally complete. of adopting a child from Korea. After about a Some of our children came to us with special year we were able to travel with our three little circumstances, special needs, and we learned ones to the Los Angeles airport and meet our and grew together, and if we had to put all the daughter, Casey Michelle. Casey was born in “challenges” into a box , that box would be a Seoul, South Korea on or about December 7, speck of dust next to the box containing the joy l979, and was 10 months old when we brought and happiness our beautiful family has brought her home. Even before Casey’s adoption to us. was complete, we found ourselves moving to Springfield, Missouri. There we completed Rich and Kim Blackford her adoption process, and settled down. It Representative Russ Carnahan was l980, and John was working at Silver Rich and Kim Blackford are truly deserving Dollar City and I was home, happily raising of recognition and admiration for their noble babies. Our family did not yet feel complete, deeds as active foster/adoptive parents who and we couldn’t turn our hearts or our minds also provide tremendous support for fellow away from the children who needed families to adoptive families. Their devotion and care for love and care for them. We decided to con- others is prevalent by the network of support tact Family Services to explore the possibility they offer through an array of services, one of adopting another child. We told the case of which is GIFT. GIFT, Getting Interracial workers that we wanted a child that needed Families Together, was created to form a bond us, regardless of race, or special needs., and within and between interracial families. It is an figured that it would be another two years organization that embraces diversity, hoping to 51 Ten Years Celebrating…

bring understanding and strength to families of Bob and Susie Rafferty all ethnic mixes. The Blackfords are the back- Senator Kit Bond bone of this organization, uniting families with For nearly a decade and a half, Bob and Susie their love and support. Mr. and Mrs. Blackford Rafferty have served as foster parents to have demonstrated all the qualities and charac- numerous infants, in addition to raising two teristics of loyal, courageous, and affectionate children of their own, Patrick and Natalie, human beings, but their big hearts ordain them twenty-eight and twenty-four respectively. The as true angels on earth. Rafferty’s give credit to their years as foster parents to giving their own children a greater Two Hearts for Hope sense of parenting and how failure to take it Senator Claire McCaskill seriously may end up with the child paying the Two Hearts for Hope was started in January price. The rewards are many but to experience 2008 by two women, Kimberly Prud’homme and adoptive family get to experience parent- and Stacy Segebarth, who traveled to Kazakh- hood and infants receive the enrichment of stan in 2007 to adopt their own children. loving parents cannot be surpassed, accord- Going through the adoption process from April ing the Rafferty’s. And, as years pass by, to June 2007 made Kim and Stacy aware of seeing children they have been associated with the environment that these orphans reside in. prosper from the nourishment of love is very Less than perfect conditions with not enough satisfying in knowing they will be successful supplies plague these orphanages and make on the road of life. Many friends, family and these children’s lives very hard. After seeing adoptive parents who have been associated these conditions first-hand and how many with the Rafferty’s know ever infant that had children are still awaiting adoption in Kazakh- has the warmth of their love has greater chance stan, Kim and Stacy decided to create Two to blossom in life as part of loving family. Hearts for Hope. The organization intends to make Kazak orphans lives better while they wait for a caring family to adopt them. Every Montana month Two Hearts for Hope takes donations for items ranging from shoes and socks, to Damon Gannett hygiene products, to toys. These donations are Senator Max Baucus boxed up and carried to Kazakhstan by other Damon Gannett has been a voice for abused families looking to adopt a child. While there, and neglected children in the Billings commu- the boxes are dropped off to various orphan- nity and surrounding areas since 1977 when ages for the children. The supplies enrich the he began representing children as a Guard- lives of these orphans and help to add joy and ian ad litem. In addition, since 2001, he also hope to them as they wait to be adopted. Kim represents children in the Yellowstone County and Stacy started this organization all on their Family Drug Treatment Court. Over the past own and it has grown immensely to help make 31 years, Damon has represented thousands of 1,000s of Kazak orphans lives better. Two children from their removals to their adop- Hearts for Hope continues to accept donations tions. Unfortunately, too often, many of these for Kazak orphans and is currently planning abuse and neglect cases involved horrific acts a trip to Kazakhstan to personally deliver committed against children by their parents these presents to the orphans. Stacy and Kim’s or family members including sever physi- devotion and dedication for helping Kazak cal abuse, sexual abuse, and even homicide. orphans makes them an excellent example of Damon is well respected by the media com- Missouri’s Angel of Adoption. munity, social workers, attorneys, and judges. 52 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

His skills in the courtroom, including his style, agency in the state that places a priority on competency, and vast knowledge give the finding families for African American infants children he represents a strong voice. At the and requires families who wish to adopt same time, he is fair to all parties, including through their Infant Adoption Program to the parents and children. Judges depend on be completely open to race, gender, and open Damon; he has earned their respect and trust. adoption, allowing birth parents to choose Likewise, many social workers, attorneys, and a family that is prepared and committed to other professionals look to Damon for advice, any type of child they give birth to. Adoption support, and information. Damon is a zeal- Links Worldwide recognizes that families cre- ous and diligent advocate for these children ated through adoption, especially transracial who lose their birth families through the legal and older-child adoption require additional process in hopes of helping them obtain a safe, support. For that reason, ALW implemented a stable, and supportive, permanent home. He Therapy and Post Adoption Support Pro- fights for the best interests of his clients—the gram. ALW has helped over 1300 children join children—so that they might have a brighter permanent and safe families, some of whom future. Damon is very deserving of the Angel have received the Angels in Adoption Award. in Adoption award for his tireless efforts for over three decades on behalf of foster and Paul Ries and Deb VanDyke-Ries adoptive children in the state of Montana. Senator Chuck Hagel Paul Ries and Deb VanDyke-Ries have been advocates for children for many years. Coming Nebraska from a very large family, children have always been an important part of Paul’s life. After Adoption Links Worldwide acquiring his Master’s degree in social work, Representative Lee Terry Paul began working as a family therapist. He Adoption Links Worldwide was founded by has since narrowed his practice to primarily Cheryl Murray and Diane Baumgartner in working with foster children. Deb’s involve- 1993. Dianne and her husband were parents ment with adoption began when she became to four birth sons, six special needs adopted a volunteer for Court Appointed Special daughters and over 150 foster children. Cheryl Advocates (CASA) for abused and neglected Murray took the executive director position in children. She went on to serve as the Execu- 1999 and adopted her son in 2001 through the tive Director of CASA; she currently serves agencies infant adoption program. The agency as CASA’s Program Coordinator. Deb also through its dedicated staff embodies one belief participates in the Lancaster County Juvenile that every child is entitled to a safe, permanent Court National Adoption Day festivities. Being and loving family. The agencies accomplish- involved in National Adoption Day allows ments are vast which include 15 years of Deb to advocate for children and serve as an service to children and families. Adoption information source for those considering adop- Links Worldwide is the only Nebraska based tion. Not only are Paul and Deb professionally adoption agency that sought and achieved active in adoption, they are also the proud par- Hague Accreditation, and is in full compliance ents of an adopted daughter. After the birth of with the Intercountry Adoption Act. The Dave two biological children, Paul and Deb agreed Thomas Foundation for adoption just extended that adoption would be a great way to expand the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids project into their family. Serving the community as both Lincoln, due to ALW’s success over the past professionals and volunteers, Paul and Deb are 4 years in Omaha. ALW is the only Nebraska 53 Ten Years Celebrating…

outstanding citizens who continually strive to ally through a summer program that enabled advocate for the welfare of children. them host orphan children from Kazakhstan. The two children fit into their family so well that Randy and Jeina considered adoption to Nevada be the natural next step. Randy and Jeina are now looking forward to finalizing the adoption MGM/Mirage of a five year old girl initially placed in their Senator John Ensign home through foster care. When it became As a major employer in the great state of apparent that she could not return to her birth Nevada, the MGM/Mirage has a direct impact family, the Shelleys decided to adopt her. Soon on thousands of families in our community she will be a joyful addition to their family. The who chose to foster or adopt children. The Shelleys state, “Adoption has completed our MGM/Mirage has instituted a program that family. We have welcomed children into our provides eligible employees with benefits of home as our own. They have grown and we $2500 per child to the maximum of $5000 per have grown. It is always a challenge, a reward family to assist with adoption costs in addi- and a lot of work to mesh that past chapter of tion to providing paid leave and other types of their life with the upcoming chapters of a new assistance. The MGM/Mirage has been named life. We love to tell our story; we love to spread one of the 2008 “Best Adoption-Friendly the experience in hopes of opening more Workplaces in America” by the Dave Thomas opportunities for other children.” Foundation for Adoption. This industry leader’s commitment to helping families is a Scott and Kathleen Greenberg reflection on their outstanding example of Representative Jon C. Porter helping our community and families with the Congressman Jon Porter is honored and most important role of any organization, help- privileged to nominate Scott and Kathleen ing build better lives for our children. Greenberg as his 2008 Angel in Adoption. The road that led Scott and Kathleen to adopting Randall and Jeina Shelley Evan Alexander was filled with many twists Senator Harry Reid and turns, but has brought them great joy. Randall and Jeina Shelley have long been They had decided to pursue adoption because involved with children through their com- becoming parents was a top priority and they munity and church activities, but it is their wanted to experience the joys of parenthood. history of welcoming vulnerable children into Additionally, Kathleen was adopted as an their home that deserves recognition by the infant and has a first-hand perspective with the Angels in Adoption program. Over the past rewarding experience that adoption can bring 13 years, the Shelleys have fostered numerous for all parties involved. There were multiple children with therapeutic or treatment needs setbacks along the way, including a birth and their siblings. Randy and Jeina are now mother who changed her mind, a birthfather the proud parents of three adopted children, who decided to fight the placement, and an although adoption was not in their original international program that had longer waits plans at the very beginning. Early on, they than expected. Just when Scott and Kathleen fostered a young man who left to be reunited had decided perhaps it was not meant to be, with his family but later returned to the Shel- they received a call from the agency that had ley home at his request. Two years later, he conducted their Nevada home study. There was adopted by the Shelleys. The Shelleys was a birth mother who was due in three have also experienced adopting internation- weeks who had not found the right adoptive 54 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

parents. After visiting over dinner, she and fears of loving again; they end up rejecting the the birthfather decided they were comfortable love of caring adoptive parents, and they fail to with Scott and Kathleen and asked them to thrive in their adoptive homes. To prevent this, attend future medical appointments. Evan the staff at St. Charles have learned through actually arrived five weeks premature and experience how to open the hearts of children remained in the NICU at Sunrise Children’s in need, how to soothe their worries, and how Hospital for a week. After the 72-hour wait- to provide them with every possible reassur- ing period was finally over, the relinquish- ance that the world may be a place of safety ments were signed and Scott and Kathleen where it is okay to take the risk of loving and were the proud parents of Evan. They still being loved. The staff also provide ongoing maintain a relationship with his birthparents advice to adoptive parents to help them to deal and recently celebrated his first birthday and successfully with their own emotions and the Baptism. The most important aspect for Scott sometimes difficult behaviors of the children. and Kathleen is that Evan realizes that he is In recent years St. Charles Children’s Home loved by many. They viewed their journey has become well known because the Sisters as an arduous wait but believe Evan was have discovered the amazingly therapeutic absolutely meant to be their son. They remain benefits of running with the children every hopeful that another successful adoption will day for four miles; but it is really their abil- be in their family’s future. ity to communicate the unconditional love of God which has allowed the Sisters to go a step beyond conventional success in helping New Hampshire children transition successfully into adoptive homes. It is the great desire of each of the St. Charles Children’s Home Sisters and the staff at St. Charles that every Senator John E. Sununu child can be welcomed into and learn to live St. Charles Children’s Home is a program of successfully in a family, and it is for their work New Hampshire Catholic Charities located in towards this goal that the Sisters and staff at Rochester, NH. It is a group home for children St. Charles Children’s Home are truly Angels between the ages of three and twelve who are in Adoption. preparing either for reunification with their families or for transition into adoptive families. The Home is staffed by the Daughters of New Jersey Mary, Mother of Healing Love, an Associa- tion of Sisters founded to work for the healing Children’s Aid and Family Services, Inc. of children and families. When all efforts for Representative Scott Garrett children to return home to their parents have Representative Steven R. Rothman failed, the staff at St. Charles set to work in Children’s Aid and Family Services, Inc. helping them to grieve their losses, and to pre- has been providing adoption services con- pare for the wonderful and often frightening tinuously since 1899. Since its inception, it journey ahead of getting ready to live with an has placed more than 10,000 children with adoptive family. The children will need special adoptive families. Located in Paramus, New support to come to terms with their memories Jersey, the agency is a recognized leader in of the past without shame or blame, and they providing innovative, high-quality programs will need help to be able to make the transition that focus particularly on foster care and adop- successfully. Without this heart-filled help and tion services to infants, children and teenag- support, many children continue to suffer the ers with special needs, and particularly those 55 Ten Years Celebrating…

that have suffered severe abuse and trauma. thousands of families. Outside of the agency, In 2007, the agency received an Adoption Mary conducts workshops at conferences, is an Excellence Award from the US Department of active member of New Jersey’s Adoption Coun- Health & Human Services in recognition of its cil, and she is involved in assisting legislators many programming innovations in permanency and licensing changes. Mary feels it’s rewarding services: adoption program for special needs to watch the development of how adoption has children, programs for birth parents considering changed over the years and how the agency has adoption for their infant children, pre-adoptive done the same – coming to understand a new group homes, Pre-and Post-Adoption Counsel- level of openness and its importance. While ing Services, the Path to Adoption program, and adoption was once considered a quiet topic the NJ Adoption Resource Clearing House. In of conversation, Mary points out that today 2008, the agency has also added services for kin- almost everyone you meet has been touched ship legal guardians, including a “KinKonnect” by adoption in some way. While the number of web resource, as well as services to medically individuals who have been touched by Mary needy infants and toddlers. The agency’s 250- and her advocacy is too great to pinpoint, Mary member staff is supplemented by the dedicated is just happy to be a part of these families’ lives support of more than 600 active community in such an amazing way, empowering adoptive volunteers. Children’s Aid and Family Services and birth parents to have knowledge of, and a has been at the forefront of developing col- connection, to each other. “Life is not easy with laborative partnerships with businesses and secrets, so to have the ability to communicate foundations to recruit adoptive families, and information with these families is rewarding,” has recently partnered with Angel in Adoption, said Mary, who’s happy to see families be proud Darryl McDaniels (DMC of RUN-DMC) to of whom they are. raise awareness through advertising billboards, print ads and Public Service Announcements, of Judy Foster the need for families for these children. Representative Rodney P. Frelinghuysen Judy Foster became involved in the adop- Mary Daily tion reform movement in 2000 after reuniting Representative Jim Saxton with her daughter, whom she surrendered to A professional at Adoptions From The Heart adoption in 1961. As one of “the girls who went (AFTH), Mary Daily began her career as a away,” Judy went on with her life, but never social worker in a trauma unit, supporting birth forgot her daughter. After 37 years of silence, mothers through the difficult decision of placing Judy joyfully reunited with Donna 10 years their child for adoption. As a part-time resident, ago, sparking a completely new “career” and Mary also applied for a second job with AFTH passion for giving back to the adoption com- and experienced the process of adoption from munity. Retiring in 2000 after a 40-year career start to finish, leading her to a full-time position in various management positions with Bell at the agency. Twenty years later she is now the Laboratories, AT&T and Lucent Technolo- agency’s Director of Social Services, oversee- gies, Judy uses her skills and expertise to help ing activity with social workers throughout the educate the public, professionals and state agency, and has helped both the agency and legislators. For the past eight years, she has field of adoption grow in so many ways. Her been the New Jersey state representative to the years of experience working in the adoption American Adoption Congress (AAC), and an community have led her to expand the agency active member of the New Jersey Coalition for by opening offices in several states, including Adoption Reform and Education (NJCARE). two in New Jersey, and in turn helping to build Promoting greater public understanding of the 56 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

need for truth in adoption, she continues to shared her personal stories, provided emotional lobby for legislation that would restore access support for others and often led informational to original birth certificates to New Jersey discussion groups. Natalie was instrumental in adoptees. Judy co-facilitates a model post- bringing numerous workshops and speakers to adoption support group in Morristown that has CHATS including one with her adopted daugh- been meeting monthly for over two decades, ter and daughter’s birth mother. Natalie joined serving adoptees and their parents by birth and the NJ Adoption Resource Clearing House, a adoption. While not a professional searcher, Program of children’s Aid and Family Services Judy has been instrumental in reuniting several at its inception in 2003. NJARCH is a federally birth families. She has been a panelist and funded, statewide program. Natalie’s greatest presenter at adoption conferences sponsored gift is the empathy and support she provides by AAC, North American Council on Adopt- in response to calls and emails. Natalie uses able Children (NACAC), Concerned Persons her own adoption history and the knowledge for Adoption (CPFA), and the NJ Chapter she acquired in the Rutgers Adoption Cer- of the National Association of Social Workers tificate Program to help prospective adoptive (NASW). Judy has also presented to adoption parents, adult adoptees thinking about search law and adoption counseling classes at Seton and reunion, new NJARCH staff members Hall and Montclair State Universities. Judy and others. Natalie continues to participate in a holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business volunteer capacity in the NJ adoption com- Management from Fairleigh Dickinson Univer- munity where she is often asked to join in panel sity and she completed Northwestern Univer- discussions for adoptive parents and adoption sity’s Kellogg Executive Development Program. professionals. Natalie Hamilton is an exemplary Judy lives with her husband, George Avener, in member of the adoptive community. Her true Randolph, NJ. compassion and dedication both as an adoptive parent and in the adoption field is what makes Natalie Hamilton her such an Angel in Adoption. Senator Robert Menendez It is a great honor to select Natalie Hamilton to Marilou Heim be recognized for her dedication to the adoption Representative Albio Sires community. Adopted as a toddler herself, Nata- With over 35 years experience in child protec- lie is a loving adoptive parent of two. As adults, tion and permanency, Marilou Heim’s recogni- her daughter and her son both searched for and tion as an “Angel in Adoption” acknowledges a found their birth families. She joined the Mor- modest, non-assuming social worker who has ristown Post Adoption Support Group seeking made a huge difference in the lives of children guidance and support. Before long, she had day after day, year after year, Marilou has been shared information about her own adoption and a tireless advocate to help children achieve initiated a search for her birth family. She was permanency through the process of adoption. reunited with siblings in Canada and continues Much of her career has centered on mentoring to enjoy a close relationship with them. Natalie scores of young caseworkers in the importance made many wonderful contributions to the of this work, and her ability to impart her Morristown by bringing in other adult adoptees wealth of knowledge has resulted in thousands from the Canadian maternity home connected of successful adoptions in New Jersey. Marilou to her adoption. In 1998, Natalie became active served in several leadership positions in the in CHATS (Connected Hearts Adoption Triad state’s Adoption Resource Center (ARC), Support) in North Plainfield, NJ, soon after it where she worked relentlessly to provide quality came into existence. A faithful member, Natalie adoption services to families, becoming familiar 57 Ten Years Celebrating…

with each and every child under the supervision Hicks. She was able to gather a collection of of her staff. Her dedication to children’s perma- professional photographers and photo editors nency was apparent from the many weekends whose work has graced the covers and pages she spent approving consents for adoption, so of countless magazines and newspapers that they could move forward with their forever fam- donated their time and talents to the Heart Gal- ilies. Marilou, a master’s level social worker and lery. HGNJ’s latest project is drawing attention member of the National Association of Social to “100 Waiting Children,” children who have Workers, also created a model known as “Metro lived in foster care for the longest period of time Select”. The model was created to ensure that — some their whole lives — most are well into children requiring selective home placements their teenage years and still desire permanent received the in-depth services they needed and homes before they turn 18 years old. Najlah, a deserved. Marilou also spearheaded training professional photojournalist, has contributed to protocols so her staff was proficient with best several books and been on foreign assignments practice skills and delivering the highest qual- all over the world. A former Newsweek Magazine ity service to children and families. Despite contract photographer, she has covered national her many accomplishments, she is extremely issues, news stories, the business world and modest and asks for no recognition. Working political arena, but she considers the Heart Gal- diligently in the background, Marilou continu- lery the most important story of her career. ally troubleshoots to ensure that children move smoothly through the system and ever commit- Harry and Priscilla Hopkins ted to guiding and supporting the filed. A skilled Senator Frank R. Lautenberg manager and strong leader, Marilou has been a I am extremely proud to select Harry and wonderful role model for her staff. Her dedica- Priscilla Hopkins of Stratford, New Jersey as tion and advocacy for all of her clients made my 2008 Angels in Adoption. Nearly anyone her a highly valued member of the child welfare can become a biological mother or father, but team in New Jersey. not everyone is equipped to be a good parent. Harry and Priscilla Hopkins exemplify the rare Najlah Feanny Hicks case of two people who could not bear biological Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. children themselves, but who were nonetheless Najlah Feanny Hicks is the heart and soul destined to become absolutely outstanding par- behind one of the most effective and innova- ents and raise a wonderful family. Mr. and Mrs. tive adoption programs in the United States. Hopkins have devoted their lives to providing The Heart Gallery of New jersey is a unique a loving, nurturing home for their children, and not-for-profit corporation dedicated to raising in the process they have become exceptionally awareness about local foster children who are good parents. The Hopkins’ have adopted five available for adoption. Portraits are taken that special needs children since 1998, and they help capture the individuality and spirit of each currently serve as foster parents to a two-year foster child; the photographs are shared via old boy, whom they also hope to adopt. Seeing the web and through the gallery exhibits in the happy, active ten-year-old twins Tahjae and hope that potential families will be moved to Tiyana today, one could not hope to imagine inquire about adoption. Incorporated in New the hurdles they have had to overcome from Jersey on March 4, 2005, it has been the reason the time they were first placed in the Hopkins why about 140 children considered “hardest to home. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins saw to it that the adopt” have now had their adoptions final- twin’s medical, emotional and developmental ized. None of this would been possible without needs were met. Then, after several prior place- the dedication and determination of Najlah ments, six-year-old Trenyce joined the family 58 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

in 2002 and found her forever family. The two Reents immersed themselves in Indian culture. youngest Hopkins children are birth sisters, Every summer, the family attends an Indian three year old Tana and two year old Tamala. culture camp where children from India and When Tamala was born she was initially placed their adoptive parents learn more about the in another Resource Home because of her children’s native country. The family also medical condition. After adopting Tana, Mr. cooks Indian meals, listens to Indian music, and Mrs. Hopkins worked tirelessly to ensure and at times wears traditional Indian cloth- that Tamala could grow up with her sister. The ing. Last winter, Patricia, William, Juliana, Hopkins’ worked hard to reunite the sisters in and Rebecca traveled to India. They explored their family and they were successful. Today, the regions of the country where Juliana and the Hopkins’ are a family complete with their Rebecca were born. own family song, “Lean on Me” that is used Today, Juliana and Rebecca are thriving as much to calm down a rowdy household at American 12-year-olds, taking music lessons, bedtime as it is to bind Mom, Dad, and all the devouring books, playing with friends, and children together as one. Though others may excelling in school. They are active in their seek fame and fortune, Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins church and assist their parents in educating find that raising healthy, happy children gives others about India and adoption. their lives purpose and meaning. Harry and Priscilla are truly Angels in Adoption, but more Toby Soloman important to them, they are the proud parents Representative Donald M. Payne of a loving family. Toby Solomon is indeed an angel on earth whose dedication and outstanding work has William and Patricia Reents made a difference in countless lives. Over two Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. decades ago, she formed and also chaired an In September of 1996, Patricia Reents of Mid- adoption subcommittee in order to address dlesex, New Jersey, read a newspaper article amendments to the New Jersey Adoption that deeply affected her. A local adoption agency Statute and other adoption issues. Her prior in New Jersey described the desperate need for personal and professional experience made her homes for children languishing in Chinese and aware that adoption was an area which needed Indian orphanages. Patricia and her husband, both reform and advocacy. The committee William, had successfully parented two teen- she chaired accomplished the task of writing aged sons, but welcomed the idea of expanding amendments to the existing adoption legisla- their family. In November 1996, with energy tion and getting the amendments passed by the and resources remaining, the Reents began the Legislature. The amendments to the Statute process of adopting two little girls from India. brought forth a variety of new concepts to the The Reents devoted themselves to understand- adoption process, which were sorely needed. ing the adoption process. They joined an adop- Ms. Solomon also founded and chaired the Chil- tion support group to learn about parenting dren’s Rights Committee. A graduate of Seton adopted children and readied themselves for Hall Law School, she has devoted a tremendous the arrival of their new daughters, Juliana and amount of time and energy to educating other Rebecca. On April 10, 1998, Juliana entered attorneys and clients about the adoption pro- the Reents lives followed by Rebecca who came cess. She continues to lecture and has authored in November 30, 1998. The Reents fostered numerous articles on adoption in order to edu- an open environment with their daughters, cate both professionals and prospective adoptive encouraging them to ask questions and express parents in adoption matters. I hope that you will feelings about their original families. The 59 Ten Years Celebrating…

give favorable consideration to this nomination to college last fall. Next, the Tabars adopted Lis- — we need more angels like Toby Solomon! sette, who like her brother Phillip, is quadriple- gic and blind. She was saved by the Tabars at 24 months. Age 12, Lissette is in school, continu- New Mexico ing the triumphant path to graduation that her brother and sister made before her. Linda and Anthony and Linda Tabar Anthony consider their children to be blessings, Senator Jeff Bingaman inspirations to everyone they encounter. Linda This remarkable family shouldn’t be recognized has dedicated her life to all the voiceless, medi- just for 2008, they should be recognized for a cally fragile children in the United States. She life time. They adopted three children in great continues to fight for Title IV-E funds for them. need because it was the right thing to do. When Linda and Anthony have one wish: that one day Linda and Anthony Tabar adopted an infant CYFD will respond to adoption calls by saying, boy in 1986, they knew it would change their “We’re sorry, all the children already have fami- lives, they just didn’t know to what extent. Only lies. Would you like to be on our waiting list?” a few months, their baby, Phillip, was diagnosed with brain damage, epilepsy, and blindness- the outcomes of a drug addicted pregnancy. As New York if fighting to keep him alive weren’t enough, Linda Tabar had to fight the government and Jeanine Castagna school system to give Phillip an education, and a Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton chance at a normal life. Because of Linda’s fight Representative Mike Ferguson on Phillip’s behalf, adoption incentives for medi- Jeanine Castagna, Esq. has been involved with cally fragile children were extended until age adoption for a decade. At the age of eleven she 21. Phillip wasn’t expected to live a year. He cel- was told she might not be able to have biologi- ebrates his 22nd birthday this year. The Tabars cal children, while this turned out not to be the also adopted Rebecca. At 26 months, with case, from that moment on she knew that in sever cystic fibrosis, she was taken from state some way she wanted to help others in similar foster care and placed with the Tabars. Due to situations. She received her law degree from repeated head trauma, Rebecca was expected to Hofstra University in 1996 and has been prac- be mentally retarded. She graduated from high ticing adoption law ever since. While still in law school with honors and received her diploma school she handled a pro bono case involving carrying a five-gallon tank of oxygen. Rebecca adoption. Six years ago Jeanine started her own had one double lung transplant at UTSW St. practice that focuses specifically on adoption Paul Hospital in Dallas Texas. Her team at law. Throughout her career, Jeanine has been this time is not allowing her to have another involved in over three hundred private place- transplant, but the Tabar’s are in prayer that the ment domestic newborn adoptions, step-parent team will change their mind. Like everything adoptions and international re-adoptions. She is Rebecca has had to fighter harder than anyone a fellow of the American Academy of Adoption can dream of to just be alive. Rebecca was taken Attorneys, a member of the Adoption Commit- out of the Intensive Care Providence Hospital tee of the New York State Bar Association, the in El Paso to attend her graduation. She has two American fertility Association, RESOLVE, the oxygen tanks to support her before transplant National Infertility Network Exchange, and of as she graduate from high school in May 2005. DES Action. She and her husband are founding In spite of losing her lottery scholarship due to members of the Tender Loving Care Founda- continued hospitalizations, Rebecca went back tion, a non profit organization supporting the 60 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

parents of babies in the neonatal intensive care their community and are involved in raising unit of the North Shore Long Island Jewish their children so that each child reaches his or Health System in New York, as well as serving her full potential. The Marks family exemplifies on the Board of Directors for that organization. all that concerned and responsible foster and Finally with all of these other responsibilities adoptive parents should be. and working full time Jeanine and her husband, Ed, still find time to raise their two wonderful Hollee McGinnis children, Sam and Jack. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney Hollee McGinnis presently serves as the Policy Steve and Dawn Dziegiel and Operations Director for the Evan B. Representative Michael A. Arcuri Donaldson Adoption Institute, a nonpartisan, national not-for-profit based in New York City. Dr. Glen and Dr. Nancy Mark Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute is the Representative Tim Bishop pre-eminent policy, research and education The Marks adopted their oldest child, Gabriel, organization in its field, thanks in large part to privately. Their son knows he is adopted and Ms. McGinnis’s contributions. Ms. McGinnis is the Marks have kept the lines of communication responsible for researching, writing, and distrib- open with his birth mother. He was involved uting the institute’s monthly e-newsletter. Addi- in the family’s decision to foster and later adopt tionally, Ms. McGinnis supervises all operations the two younger children placed in their home in their New York Office; conducting critical by the Department of Social Services. As foster research projects, international presentations, parents, the Marks made all efforts to facilitate such as her presentation at an adoption confer- visits between both parents and foster children. ence in England and media relations, such as a The Marks traveled a considerable distance major story in the New York Times. Prior to to ensure that the children visited their birth her work at the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption mother. They brought the children to her each Institute, Hollee founded a highly regarded week. The children continue to visit with their national adult international adoptee organization biological sibling because the Marks realize how called Also- Known-As, which provides services important it is to maintain sibling contact. The including mentorship for adopted youth and children were immediately enrolled in therapy their families. Hollee McGinnis has dedicated to help them deal with the loss and separation her time and effort to contributing to the lives of issues that are so predominant with children in children and families touched by adoption. She foster care. The Marks ensure that their chil- is truly a remarkable woman and I am proud to dren are involved in all sorts of extra curricular represent her. activities. The children play hockey and softball, take dance lessons, and participate in Girl Thomas and Jaqueline Todaro Scouts. The children are doing well in school Representative Steve Israel and they have been on various vacations most Jaqueline and Thomas Todaro have adopted especially to Disneyworld. The Marks bought a three children through the Suffolk County home in Manorville in 2001. They received their Department of Social Services. Mr. and Mrs. Doctorates in Chiropractic in 1993 from the Todaro had a history of infertility issues for a Life Chiropractic College in Marietta, Georgia. number of years. Through in vitro, the couple The couple have had practices in Port Jef- got pregnant and became proud parents of ferson, Stony Brook, Blue Point and currently 4 children, triplet boys aged 17 and another have practices East Moriches and Riverhead, boy age 19. Mrs. Todaro still felt that she “had New York. The Marks are active members of mothering left in her” and felt strongly that 61 Ten Years Celebrating…

they didn’t need to have any more biological North Carolina children, that there were “plenty of children out there who needed a good home”. The Center for Adoption Policy Todaro’s became certified in 2003 and waited a Senator Richard Burr year for a child to adopt. They decided to take It is my pleasure to nominate the Center for in foster children at this point, 2 girls, Andrea Adoption Policy (CAP) for the Angels in age 6 and Ahriyannah age 8. One year later, Adoption Award. Founders Diane Kunz and the girl’s older sister, Savannah, age 13 joined Ann Reese were led to their mission to find the family. Their adoption became finalized a permanent family for every child through in 2007. The three girls also have biological personal experience. Their adoption jour- brothers, who the Todaro’s encourage facili- neys exposed the legal, policy and societal tated visits with. ‘It’s like having an extended barriers that exist between willing and able family,” says Mrs. Todaro. “It’s rewarding parents and children in need. Since 2001, for us to see these children, who have suf- CAP has been a voice for those who cannot fered from neglect and other terrible things, speak for themselves—children whose birth become so happy and lead normal lives. And parents have been unable or unwilling to care it’s important to us that our own children for them. Through education and advocacy understand the importance of making a lasting efforts, CAP has forged alliances with lawyers, impression in someone’s life.” Mrs. Todaro doctors, NGOs and child welfare profession- says that their entire family has embraced als to remove obstacles to adoption. Their the girls. According to the Suffolk County focus is the child’s best interest; their objective Department of Social Services, Mr. and Mrs. is to facilitate the creation and implementation Todaro have incorporated the principals of the of ethical and effective laws, recruitment and agencies training program into their adoption. training practices that will keep adoption as a The Suffolk County Department of Social viable option for the children throughout the Services feels that this family is deserving world who have no seat at the policy table, of this award because they have provided a and whose interests are too often secondary stable environment for the three girls, and to other agendas. The Center for Adoption has incorporated them into their family of Policy Annual Adoption Law Conference, boys. Mrs. Todaro says that they will not be held in conjunction with the Justice Action adopting or taking in any more foster children Center of New York Law School, has become because of their large family of 7 children. But the pre-eminent adoption forum, bringing she and her husband will remain members together scholars, practitioners and mem- of FCAP, Foster Parent Adoptive Commit- bers of the adoption community. The Annual tee, a support group in their community. She Conference exemplifies the CAP approach wants to be able to share their adoption stories which is to utilize the study of the theoretical to those who may be interested in becoming to create collaborative teams to accomplish adoptive parents, continuing to make that the practical goal of ensuring that all children lasting impression that she hopes her children can find permanent, loving homes. Diane is understand and remember for their own lives. the mother of eight children, of whom the four youngest were adopted from China. The two youngest of the five Reese children were adopted from Romania.

62 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

Hopscotch Adoptions of hundreds of children and families through Senator Elizabeth Dole humanitarian aid and international adoption, it Hopscotch Adoptions, Hague accredited and a will continue in the future to touch the lives of member of the Joint Council on International many, many others. Children’s Services, is a not for profit adoption program that focuses on helping children with specials needs. They specialize in adoptions North Dakota from the countries of Georgia, Armenia, and the Ukraine (and soon to add Bulgaria and Ghana). Jeff and Julie Hoffman Her own experience of adopting a special needs Senator Kent Conrad child internationally led Robin Sizemore and a Senator Byron Dorgan volunteer board to start Hopscotch Adoptions With over 26 years of experience in social work, in 2006. The fundamental belief of Hopscotch is Julie serves as Administrator of Adoption that each child has the right to a lifelong, loving Services at the North Dakota Department of family. They recognize and support efforts that Human Services. She has led the State’s adop- allow children to safely remain in their original tion program for the past 10 years. An adoptive families and, where this is not possible, to be parent herself, Julie is noted for her helpfulness, adopted in their countries of birth. When these compassion towards the children and families options are not available, however, they believe she serves and her vision for adoption. Julie and that children should be placed internationally her husband Jeff have two high-school aged with adoptive parents who can provide a nur- children, Emily and Trent who they adopted turing and stable permanent family. Sometimes, when he was six years old. The Hoffmans also sadly, children do not meet the legal standards served as foster parents for a number of years. for international adoption and are subject to One young man who was placed with the Hoff- institutional life. In these cases, Hopscotch sup- mans for four years is now married and has two ports their needs through directed humanitar- children of his own. His children call Julie and ian assistance aimed at improving their quality Jeff grandma and grandpa. of life. These efforts have included medical and surgical care from U.S. volunteer doctors, Jason and Dana Mitzel maternal and infant care projects, and assistance Representative Earl Pomeroy to children in orphanages. One ground-break- Jason and I have been privileged to provide ing part of their work has been the Hopscotch care for 13 children over seven years. After Downs Syndrome project. Hopscotch has found many teenagers, we were placed with a young 4 families willing to adopt children with Down’s year old Native American boy named Bran- syndrome, children who traditionally have been don. While working with the tribe for adopting left in orphanage or institutional care as a result him, we discovered he had two more brothers of cultural views in the countries in which they and two sisters. Both boys were placed sepa- were born. The newest Hopscotch project is to rately while the two sisters were in foster care encourage families to keep their handicapped together. We were told it would not be pos- children at home if possible, as opposed to auto- sible for this sibling group to be reunited. We matic institutionalization. As part of this project, patiently met with tribal leaders and county Hopscotch will assist the establishment of a social workers never giving up on our goal community-based early childhood intervention of uniting this sibling group. We knew it was program to provide critically needed services God’s plan even though it seemed impossible that help children stay within their own families. to us too. The second oldest boy Ben moved Hopscotch’s work has already touched the lives into our home in July of 2004 and was adopted 63 Ten Years Celebrating…

in December of 2005. The oldest boy Johnny begun his life as a typical Midwestern American moved into our home in May of 2006 and was child. The miracle of adoption means that Owen adopted in January of 2007. Brandon who will one day learn to ride a bike, go to school, started this all moved into our home in January play sports, and pursue his dreams as one can of 2002 and was adopted in August of 2007. The only do in America. Troy and Cindy say that two sisters Sky Rain and Alicia moved into our if it weren’t for the hint of his Eurasian back- home in December of 2006 and were adopted ground in his facial features, most would guess in January of 2008. Each of our children has that Owen is “just one of the family”. That he is! had significant individual challenges with Since bringing Owen home in February, Troy attachment, emotional and educational needs and Cindy have recommended adoption to 3 or since placement with us. We have shown great 4 other families, who are actively considering commitment, compassion and patience to help it. The Breidenbachs always knew they wanted these five miracles/blessings deal with their four children — and just like they made Owen’s traumatic and disruptive past. By doing this, dreams come true, Owen made their dreams this sibling group has been able to form healthy come true as well! attachments, catch-up on their educational gaps and stabilize emotionally. We have honored Marcy Fleisher and Jo Ann Walsh tribal connections that the children have to Representative Pat Tiberi their respective tribes as well as re-establishing Estevan was the oldest of four children. He contact between the children’s birth mother and and his three sisters were in a group home as maternal grandmother. foster care children in Texas. Jo Ann Walsh, her husband Brian, and their two boys were in the process of adopting a girl from China when Ohio they were made aware of a website profiling children in Texas who needed to be adopted. As Troy and Cindy Breidenbach soon as they saw Estevan and his sisters they Representative Jim Jordan knew they had to bring them into their family. Troy and Cindy Breidenbach always knew they Social workers in Texas said Estevan would wanted four children. When they tragically lost not thrive in such a large family. So, the Walsh’s their fourth child a week after birth, and they adopted Estevan’s three sisters and set out to later learned that they were medically unable find a family near their home to adopt Estevan. to have more children on their own, they set They wanted Estevan to be near his siblings. forth to begin the adoption process. By July This is where Marcy Fleisher comes into the 2007, their home study was complete and they picture. Marcy’s communications firm works were well on their way to adopting a Guatema- with an adoption attorney helping him to get the lan child, when like so many other American word out about adoption cases and his practice. families they were deterred. They began the When attorney Tommy Taneff called Marcy process anew with Russia, ultimately finding and said “you are going to find a little boy a two-year old Owen in the town of Astrakhan home”, Marcy did not know what to think. along the Kazakhstan border. Owen never Tommy explained the Walsh’s situation and knew his parents. He was given up at birth, and Estevan’s story. Right away Marcy jumped at spent the first two years of his life among 100 the chance to get the local media involved with other children under the age of three, at one of hopes of someone seeing the story and coming three orphanages in Astrakhan. Today, Owen forward with the desire to adopt Estevan. The lives with his new parents and his three new process was long and grueling. Many of the siblings in rural Allen County, Ohio. He has media outlets did not jump on the story right 64 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

away. Marcy kept at it and used all the contacts people and impacts thousands more indirectly. she had to get the media involved and Este- They accomplish this through the coordination van’s story out. Finally, the major newspaper of several educational programs for students; in the area published a story on Oct 24, 2007. offer symposia for academicians and practitio- The local news stations began running stories ners, provide information and research services about Estevan, his sisters and the quest to keep for the general public, sponsor comprehensive them together. The Clark family saw this story education programs for prospective adoptive and called Tommy Taneff right away. Tommy parents, and managing several other special set them up with Jo Ann and Brian Walsh so projects related to advocacy and system reform. they could meet Estevan’s sisters and him while The Center has an Adoption and Child Welfare he was visiting for the Christmas holiday. The LawSite (www.adoptionchildwelfarelaw.org), a rest is history. The Clark’s live a quick drive website which provides user-friendly informa- away from the Walsh’s and their families have tion on adoption and child welfare law for all now become one, creating a large family for 50 states, as well as helpful resource pages for the Clark and Walsh kids. Marcy and Tommy adoption and child welfare stakeholders. This donated both their services free of charge. website averages approximately 2,500 hits per According to Texas social workers, if it weren’t day. We are very fortunate to have The National for the work of Marcy and Jo Ann this little boy Center for Adoption Law & Policy in my home may have never been adopted. The adoption town of Columbus, Ohio, and it is with great was finalized at the end of July 2008. pride that I submit the Center as a recipient of the 2008 Angel in Adoption award. National Center for Adoption Law & Policy at Capital University Law School Joe and Becky Puckett Representative Deborah Pryce Senator Sherod Brown Since 1998, the National Center for Adop- It is my honor to nominate Joe and Becky tion Law & Policy at Capital University Law Puckett for the Angels in Adoption 2008. Joe School has achieved national prominence in the and Becky adopted a sibling group of 4 with areas of adoption and child permanency and special needs. Prior to the adoption, the kids has become the source for timely substantive were in their home as foster children. When the adoption information. The National Center for goal for the children became adoption, Joe and Adoption Law & Policy works to educate and Becky made the ultimate commitment to raise advocate on behalf of children who are involved these 4 children as their own even though they in our nation’s child welfare systems and to had already raised their own biological children. assist professionals who serve these children in Becky was 15, Kaylee was 7, Caleb was 5 and an effort to ensure timely permanency and to Seth was 2 when the adoption was finalized. minimize “foster care drift”. Through its core Due to their special needs, Joe and Becky spent services, the National Center addresses three a lot of time at the doctor’s office. Since the chil- systemic issues in adoption and child welfare: dren have been adopted by Joe and Becky, they 1) the lack of up-to-date, user-friendly informa- have made tremendous progress. When told tion for families and professionals; 2) the need about the award, Becky commented “we are so for more educational and training opportunities honored” when in reality, we are the ones who for current and future child welfare practitio- are honored to have them. ners; and 3) the need for law and policy reform to bring about improved outcomes for kids in need of permanent homes. In a given year, the Center directly touches the lives of over 5,000 65 Ten Years Celebrating…

Gary ‘Tut’ and Debra Turner Bryce with a man she alleged to be his father. Representative Zach Space When the man realized Bryce was not his son, Debra and Gary Turner have adopted four he struggled whether or not to continue to care children from two different families during the for him, but then decided to place him in foster course of their eighteen years as foster caregiv- care. The Wentz’s, who were already providers. In addition to the dozens of foster children ing an adoptive home for Briana, opened their who have shared their home over the years, hearts and home to Bryce. Shortly after begin- the Turners have six birth children, including ning to care for him, Bryce was diagnosed with several who are now adults and who have suc- Retinoblastoma, which is cancer of the retina. cessfully entered the world of higher education This condition eventually called for Bryce to and employment. The Turners exemplify the have his eye surgically removed and replaced commitment to children that is shown by all suc- with an ocular prosthesis. Bryce now receives cessful foster and adoptive parents. Until recent regular care from Children’s Hospital in Colum- funding cuts forced its closure, Gary served bus. The Wentz’s transport Bryce to Columbus for years as the administrator of a tri-county on a frequent basis for ongoing medical care that Alternative School and was also active in coach- includes MRI’s and blood tests. Throughout ing and refereeing. Debra is active both as one Bryce’s medical treatment the Wentz’s endured of Jehovah’s Witnesses and in the community many commutes from Mansfield to Columbus. and both are relentless advocates for children. They eventually used up all of the sick time at Several years ago, the Turners adopted one of work, but never gave up on Bryce by requesting their foster children, then, in 2007, they adopted leave without pay on several occasions to con- a sibling group of three very young children. tinue his care. The Wentz’s have learned how to At a time when most couples might be looking remove Bryce’s prosthetic eye in order to clean forward to emptying their nest, the Turners and care for it properly. Recently the specialist elected to make a commitment to children in indicated that Bryce has a high chance of getting need of a forever family. They did so out of love, Retinoblastoma in his other eye. The Wentz’s and because they knew that they could make a continue to remain positive about Bryce’s medi- permanent difference in four young lives. cal diagnosis and are just happy to have him as their son. Bryce who is now three receives Merle and Sue Wentz specialized services through Richland Newhope. Senator George Voinovich It is with this ongoing commitment of provid- The Wentz family initially became licensed as ing a permanent home for two children through foster parents in 1999 and proceeded to adopt difficult circumstances that I nominate Merle two children through the child welfare system in and Sue Wentz. Their commitment to taking in Richland County, Ohio. Their daughter Briana children who were not their own embodies the Grace is now six years old. She was initially spirit of the Angels in Adoption Award. placed in their home in 2002. Throughout the adoption process the Wentz’s showed the same love and compassion for Briana’s birth par- Oklahoma ents supporting reunification, but when it was determined that Briana could not return home, Rick and Kathy Clarke they welcomed her with open arms providing Senator James Inhofe a permanent home through adoption in 2004. When Rick Clarke served for five years as a Then in 2006 their second child, Bryce Allen, judge in juvenile court, working with abused was placed into their home as a foster child. and neglected children, both he and his wife, Bryce’s mother was addicted to drugs and left Kathy, formed a desire to help children who are 66 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

most in need — those without families. Today, their nephew Mason, age 4, and are in the pro- Rick dedicates part of law practice to adoption cess of adopting Gloria, age 2. Mike and Marti cases. He serves as a volunteer attorney through first came to the Oregon Department of Human Tulsa Lawyers for Children, as a guardian ad Services to be a resource for their nephew. litem through court appointments, and is on the Knowing the huge need for adoptive families board of Heritage Family Services, a Tulsa- for children in the foster care system, they then based adoption agency. Kathy has served as a opened their hearts and home to Gloria, who Court Appointed Special Advocate for children came to their family with a variety of special and currently works on special education issues needs. Mike and Marti are tireless in their quest and with the PTA. However, it is this family’s to advocate for children with special needs, and personal story that sets it apart from the other to raise awareness of the need for foster and Angel in Adoption candidates. The Clarkes have adoptive families. They are currently involved in personally participated in the adoption process local activities in the community, including the for thirteen years and have adopted nine chil- Heart Gallery of Oregon in Jackson and Jose- dren. Throughout these years, the Clarke family phine counties, recruiting for foster and adop- has faced hardships, and obstacles, yet they tive families, and identifying the many ways that continue to grow as a family, both in number people can help children. The rest of their family and character. The Clarke’s first adopted child is made up of Alyssa, age 16, Ethan, age 14, was a three-year old boy who was a victim of Savannah, age 12, Gianna, age 10, Garrison, age “shaken baby syndrome”. The next two young 9, Emma, age 7, Alden, age 5, Johnathan, age 2, children joined the family from Russia after and Amelia, age 2 months. being diagnosed with medical complications. The Clarkes later adopted two girls, ages 15 and Mary Masterson 13, who had been abused by their fathers, and Representative Earl Blumenauer an eight year-old girl who had suffered neglect The Oregon Health & Sciences University by her biological parents. Lastly, they provided (OHSU) Adoption Medicine Program is homes to two sisters from Liberia and an older the brainchild of Mary Masterson, a faculty boy from Ethiopia. The faith and perseverance member in the Department of Family Medicine of the Clarke family enables them to overcome at OHSU in Portland, Oregon. Mary is an the challenges of providing a permanent and adoptive mother of two girls from China and loving home to so many children. Remaining a Korean adoptee. Mary though that Oregon steadfast in their belief that God has a special could benefit from an adoption medicine pro- plan for every child, Rick and Kathy have raised gram and was successful in getting this program each of their nine children to be productive, established in early 2006. Her program provides healthy, and strong leaders in their schools and a full-spectrum of adoption and travel medicine communities. The Clarkes truly represent the services for international and domestic adop- blessings and the power of adoption. tions. A sign of her program’s success is the increasing number of adoptive families who request pre and post adoption services through Oregon the recommendations of their adoption agency and other adoptive families who have used Mike and Marti Hill their services. Mary’s unique perspective of the Representative Greg Walden adoption process as an adoptee and an adop- Mike and Marti Hill are the birth parents of tive parent helps with her ability to understand nine children, ranging in age from 2 months to and communicate effectively with the adoptive 16 years. They are also the adoptive parents of parents and adoption agencies who work with 67 Ten Years Celebrating…

her successful program. She truly understands later that same child came to work for Barbara that adoption is a 24/7 process that doesn’t end as an intern. Barbara performs pro bono adop- at 5pm on a Friday. Mary helped to establish tion services for Berks County and is grateful to a mandarin language program at her daugh- make a lasting, positive contribution to families ter’s elementary school. She actively partici- in the community. So many of her clients and pates in local adoption groups and events so colleagues call Barbara and her staff, “Angels her daughters can stay connected with other on Earth”, because they work miracles to bring adoptees, and to continue growing her own children into their homes. Barbara and her personal adoption experience. staff were credited with being especially warm and caring; qualities that help families navigate through the difficult, emotional journey of Pennsylvania adoption. When asked about favorite moments, Barbara recalls the newborn triplets that were Patrick and Deborah Beck placed in an Amish family where the entire Representative Charles Dent community was on board to help. She credits Representative Jim Gerlach her colleagues in the Adoption Academy with Pat Beck is a current staffer for Congressman fostering her success. She recalls a family who Gerlach and a former staffer for Congressman had adopted an Asian-Hispanic girl and called Dent. He and his wife Deb hold the respect, Barbara’s office asking for assistance in locating admiration, and fondness of his current and past an older child with the same background. Bar- colleagues. In addition to fostering/adopting two bara worried that it might be a stretch, but later small children already in their home, the Becks that very day an Academy lawyer from Califor- have been undergoing the long and arduous nia called requesting a placement for a six year process of adopting three sisters in Haiti and old boy that filled the bill perfectly – and a new bringing them here to raise in the United States. family was created. Barbara is appreciated by so many families across the Commonwealth who Barbara Casey say she goes above and beyond the call of duty Senator Arlen Specter to make adoptions happen and bring families Barbara Casey has worked tirelessly to bring together. As one of Barbara’s supporters said, families and children together for 23 years. “Congressional recognition as “Angel” would Barbara is the Director of Adoption Associates, not only be an appropriate reward for someone LLC, a licensed Pennsylvania adoption agency, whose career has been spent benefiting others, and heads up a law firm specializing in all but it would also support her continued efforts adoption issues. She has a Masters Decree and to place children into loving homes.” graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She is proud to be a Fellow of the Dannah Gresh American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and Representative John E. Peterson an active member of several organizations that After hearing about 13-year-old Autumn serve families. She lectures on adoption topics through a friend who had met her while visit- around for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and ing China, Dannah Gresh soon realized she local associations. She came to the practice of could not let this young girl just “age-out” of adoption by coincidence. Her law partner’s the Chinese orphanage system. In just nine wife was experiencing severe frustration with months, Autumn would turn fourteen only infertility and, simultaneously, a pregnant client to face a future of threatening circumstances came to Barbara asking her to make an adop- through life on the streets of China. Dannah and tion plan; the rest is history. Twenty-one years her husband, Bob, understood that adopting 68 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

a Chinese orphan was going to be a challenge. receive objective, respectful counseling through- However, after just a few months of struggling out their lifetime. She also argued and won the with bureaucracy and the Chinese government, seminal case in Pennsylvania that permits adop- while remaining focused on this international tion assistance to be made available to children humanitarian effort, Dannah and Bob are proud placed through private agencies. This case has to call Autumn their daughter. In addition to been relied upon in other states throughout the being a dedicated wife and mother to three U.S. for this and other important propositions children, Dannah is a world-renowned speaker favoring adoption assistance. Several years ago, and author who regularly speaks abroad, and is Tara petitioned the county court for custody of a frequently interviewed by the likes of TIME an abandoned infant forcing the county children magazine, Focus on the Family and The Chicago Tri- and youth agency to drastically alter their policy bune on issues concerning children’s and teens. on abandoned infants by offering immediate She is the author of an abstinence curriculum permanency. Tara is an outstanding advocate for used in the government schools of Zambia children and families whose work embodies the (Africa), one of the world’s most AIDS-ravaged very purpose and spirit of this award. I provide nations. It was her work in Africa, beginning my fullest support and highest recommendation in 2004, that led her to become a voice for the for Tara’s candidacy for this wonderful award. needs of children in third-world and developing nations. This is where her heart was initially Scott and Kerry Hasenbalg open to adoption and eventually led her to be a Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. spokesperson for Holt International. She and Scott and Kerry Hasenbalg live with their her family live in State College, PA. children, Cole and Maya, in Bear Creek, Pa., the home base from which they work tirelessly Tara Gutterman, Esq. to help orphans around the world. A native of Representative Chaka Fattah Danville, Pa., Kerry has worked in orphanages Tara Gutterman is the founder and executive in Russia and was a co-founder and former director of Adoption ARC, Inc., a non profit executive director of the Congressional Coali- agency licensed in PA, NJ and DE. Tara is also tion on Adoption Institute. Well-known in the an attorney. She began her career as an attorney child welfare community as a gifted speaker with the City of Philadelphia Law Dept., where and teacher, Kerry has spoken on social welfare she handled hundreds of child abuse and neglect topics at such notable locations as C-Span live, cases as well as termination of parental rights Capitol Hill, JCICS, NCFA, National Council hearings. Later, she worked for a private, non for Faith-Based Youth, Moody Broadcast- profit adoption agency in Philadelphia, encoun- ing, Family Life, Focus on the Family, and in tering the range of issues she now confronts at churches around the nation. She has traveled to Adoption ARC, while specializing in termina- over 30 countries and met with many presi- tion-of-parental-rights hearings and adoption dents, prime ministers, and various leaders of finalization. Since the beginning of her career, government regarding the welfare of orphans, Tara’s goal has been creating permanency including nations such as China, India, Russia, for children as early in their lives as possible. Romania, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Tara has found loving families for hundreds Rwanda, and Uganda. Her husband Scott is of children throughout the years including the director of the adoption grant and educa- many children who are considered to be hard tion organization, Shaohannah’s Hope, which to place or special needs. Her agency provides has given grants to almost 2,000 families in the outstanding services to birthparents throughout last five years to help them bring their children the community it serves by ensuring that they home. The Hasenbalgs are founding members 69 Ten Years Celebrating…

of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, and families and adoptees can benefit from a lifetime Kerry sits on the board of Equality for Adopted of supportive services. With the goal of helping Children (EACH). The Hasenbalgs have everyone to have a stable, successful adoption laid the foundation for adoption among their experience, all support services are provided extended family and friends, and their ongoing by Master’s Level social workers or counselors and powerful advocacy has helped many par- and are available to everyone in the community. ents and children become “forever families.” With three licenses from the Department of Public Welfare, The Children’s Home is con- Stephen and Jennifer Pebly sidered a full service adoption agency providing Representative Joseph R. Pitts birthparent counseling, adoptive family studies, The Peblys are a loving family with a big foster care and infant placement services. Staff heart. Steve and Jen had two children, Lydia members also provide infertility counseling, sup- and Caleb, when they decided to adopt for port groups for birth and adoptive families, post- the first time. Three years ago, they returned adoption counseling, a research and reunion home with a precious 1 year old from Russia, program and community education. Since 1893, named Dasha, who has been a wonderful gift more than 7,000 infants and young children to their family. Steve and Jen recently decided have found permanent loving homes through they would like to adopt again. Through their The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux adoption agency, Bethany Christian Services, Family Center. they obtained information on Qiuke, an ador- able 6 year old boy from China. Qiuke is a burn survivor, evidenced by the remaining scars Rhode Island on his face and hands and the loss of all of his fingers. On July 24th, Steve and Jen returned Robin Costello and Albert Gamble from China with this newest addition to their Representative Patrick Kennedy wonderful family. The Peblys are a nurtur- As adoptive parents of three children born ing family who can offer Qiuke an incredible in Guatemala, Robin and Albert are strong, amount of love and emotional support. Qiuke, passionate advocates of adoption. They both in turn, has filled a new place in this family’s recognize how blessed they are to have such a heart. wonderful family and happily provide resources to other community members contemplating The Children’s Home of Pennsylvania and the adoption process. The adoption agency Lemieux Family Center they worked with to bring home their three Representative Mike Doyle children frequently refers them to individu- For more than 100 years, the Children’s Home als waiting for a child, which is often a time of of Pittsburgh has been respected in the com- intense anticipation and emotion. Albert and munity and across the country for the quality Robin are available to answer their questions of their work in infant adoption. The philoso- on the phone, relaying information about their phy of open adoption became well-known and own experiences to help comfort a waiting accepted in Pittsburgh because of the Chil- family. In addition, both have worked profes- dren’s Home’s commitment to providing the sionally as television journalists to help improve best choices for their clients. Educating other the lives of children and families by educating agencies about openness became an important the public on the subject of adoption. During part of the program’s mission. Underlying the Robin’s tenure as an anchor/reporter on ABC6 success of The Children’s Home is a dedication in Rhode Island, she relayed countless stories to the philosophy that birth families, adoptive on the benefits of adoption for the child, the 70 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

waiting family and the community. For the past the process along. In addition, her handling of eight years as Chief Photographer for NBC10 the prenatal and neonatal care of the triplets in Rhode Island, Albert has photographed and (they came 8 weeks early) with the help and edited a weekly segment entitled, “Tuesday’s encouragement of her husband is amazing and Child”. These stories explore the possibilities an inspiration. After the babies spent four weeks of adoption by introducing the public to a child in the Neonatal ICU, Jeff and his mom flew to looking for a forever family. Albert says it’s the California to bring the three boys home. The best part of his job. Anyone who knows Robin triplets are now growing and happily settled into and Albert understands immediately that their their new home in Anderson with a wonderful children are the center of their life. Adoption has new family and radically different opportunities helped shape who they are and how they live than those Rebecca and Jeff rescued them from their lives. in L.A.

Michael and Patricia Lill Jacqueline Bond and Amy Paul Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Senator Lindsey Graham Michael and Patricia Lill were recommended It was not uncommon as Presbyterian Col- for this award by the Rhode Island Foster par- lege psychology majors for Amy Paul and ents Association. The Lills had four biological Jacqueline Bond to share the same classes. children of their own, and got involved with the But four years after graduation their work is Rhode Island Foster Parents Association when still tied together at Adoption Advocacy; work their children were grown. Over the course of that is changing the face of traditional adop- this relationship, Mr. and Mrs. Lill have cared tion recruitment, families in South Carolina, for over 30 foster children, and adopted four and children in foster care across the country. siblings that would have otherwise been sepa- Amy and Jacqueline wear the title of “Family rated had it not been for their assistance. They Caseworker” at the adoption agency in Green- have also adopted one other child within the ville, South Carolina. Amy is employed full time, past two years. while Jacqueline is employed there part-time, while attending Charleston School of Law in pursuit of helping children through a family law South Carolina practice. Amy and Jacqueline became certified adoption investigators in 2006 and have, Jeff and Rebecca Bate to date, assisted in helping 40 families in South Senator Jim DeMint Carolina and seventy-seven children across the Three years ago Jeff and Rebecca adopted a United States know the joy of finding a “forever girl, Mary, and late last year sought to adopt a home” through adoption. The average age of the brother for Mary—they got much more than children placed is nine years old and the average they bargained for! They learned of an oppor- time in foster care for these young children was tunity in California to adopt three brothers for over three years. Jacqueline and Amy’s uncom- Mary—identical triplets. Knowing the daunting mon success lies in being able to use new cutting circumstances that these three babies and their edge technology, the ability to “think outside the birth mother were facing and anticipating that box”, and their belief that there are no unwanted the triplets would come early, Rebecca flew children, just unfound families. In addition to out to Los Angeles, while Jeff stayed home their dedication to finding adoptive homes for with 2 year old Mary. Rebecca showed great children, both have co-authored and published courage and tenacity in facing all she did in an national articles that relate to adoption choices overwhelming and unknown city, encouraging and adoption law. Jacqueline and Amy are both 71 Ten Years Celebrating…

certified as a Guardian ad Litems and volunteer Curtis Loftis in Greenville and Charleston, South Caro- Representative Joe Wilson lina. Amy was most recently honored with the Curtis Loftis is the founder and chairman of prestigious S.C. Adoption Angel award. What the Saluda Charitable Foundation, as well as started out as classmates has now grown into a its benefactor. Under his dedicated leadership, dynamic duo looking for new ways and ideas to the foundation focuses primarily on housing help the nation’s children in foster care find love, and medical care for the elderly as well as the stability, and permanence through adoption. care and education of orphans. Much of Mr. Loftis’s work has been focused on orphanages Dale Dove in Ukraine. The Saluda Charitable Founda- Representative John Spratt tion provided a new English language lab for Around the time that Dale Dove completed the Koropets Orphanage, complete with a TV, law school in the early 1980s, he and his wife VCR, cassette tape decks, and audio/visual Susan learned that they could not have biologi- language instructors. Mr. Loftis has even cal children. It was through this difficulty that assisted in adoption oversight in the case of a God would bless them through adoption. On a South Carolina family who were attempting to cold and windy Christmas Eve, the gift of a life- adopt two sisters from a Ukrainian orphanage. time was placed in their arms — their precious Locally, in August 2008, Mr. Loftis’ founda- daughter, Beth. And so began Dale’s passion- tion sent 10 residents of the Glenn Spring Boys ate pursuit of helping place children needing Academy of Pauline, South Carolina along with parents in the arms of parents needing children. their chaperons, on a trip to British Columbia, Since that first experience with adoption, Canada, where they enjoyed a fun-filled week Dale has provided legal and practical advice of outside adventure. It is a pleasure to honor and counsel in over a thousand adoptions. He Mr. Loftis and his organization for the dedicated promotes adoption by speaking at seminars for work they do for orphans both domestically and adoptive parents and foster parents, as well as internationally. at continuing education seminars for professionals who work with adoptions. He freely shares his counsel and legal forms relating to adoption South Dakota with other attorneys who seek his assistance with adoptions they are handling. Dale served Hark Ng on a team to provide revisions to the South Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin Carolina Adoption Act. He also helped found When Hark and Janet Ng decided to fulfill an adoption services agency in South Caro- their dream of having a family, they chose adop- lina: Christian Family Services, Inc. Dale is a tion. Through their families in Malaysia, they member of the American Academy of Adoption learned of a little boy, Linus whose birth family Attorneys. The Academy is an invitational, non was unable to care for him. The Ngs were eager profit organization of approximately 330 mem- to share their lives and love with Linus, as well bers throughout the United States and Canada as the opportunities afforded them as natural- who are experts in the complexities of adoption ized Americans. As they embarked on the law. Dale, Susan and Beth make their home in process of adopting Linus, they were unaware Rock Hill, South Carolina. that American law would force upheaval up on their family. Because they adopted directly from their birth family, the law required either Hark or Janet to fulfill a 24-month custodial relationship overseas before bringing their son home. 72 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

Though disappointed, the Ngs were committed undertaken by the Church before it was known to Linus. With the benefit of family support how it would be paid for – the pastors at Hill- and frequent visits from Hark, Janet and Linus crest were not sure at the time if there would be forget a strong and loving bond a half a world enough funds to pay their salaries after checks from home. Sadly, just four months from satisfy- were given out to adoptive families. The Church ing the requirement, Janet suddenly died of a also chose to forgo construction of a new build- brain aneurysm. Though mourning the heart- ing, instead selling the land the new building breaking loss of his wife, as well as assuming was to be constructed on and applying those full responsibility for both their family business monies toward their adoption commitment. and new son, Hark secured humanitarian parole The second chapter of James tells us that “faith for Linus. This allowed him to bring Linus without works is dead.” The work that Hillcrest home, and fulfill the remainder of the custodial has done on behalf of children shows that this requirement in the South Dakota. Through the Christian community’s faith is vibrant and alive. enduring love and devotion of his father, along In addition to this outstanding program to help wit the support of a broad network of family families with the adoption process, Hillcrest friends, Linus has developed into a happy, well- encourages and helps its interested congregants adjusted, four-year-old boy. Now a U.S. citizen, become foster families, partakes in mentoring Linus is settled into the new home Hark built and is active in addressing hunger. The mem- for them … each fulfilling a void in the others bers of Hillcrest Church are truly Angels in life. Despite the most difficult of circumstances, Adoption. Their exceptional program has made each day Hark fulfills the commitment he and a real and significant difference in the lives of Janet made to one another—the promise of a children and the families that these children are peaceful, safe, and loving family atmosphere for now part of. I am pleased to have this opportu- their son. In doing so, Hark Ng epitomizes the nity to highlight Hillcrest Church’s efforts and spirit of an Angel in Adoption. commend them for their ongoing dedication to the larger community of Sioux Falls. Hillcrest Baptist Church Senator Tim Johnson Randy and Lori Stofferahn Hillcrest Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Senator John Thune is truly enriching the lives of foster children This year I am pleased to nominate the Stof- and orphans. After years of giving money to ferahn family of Sioux Falls for the Angels adoption organizations, Hillcrest decided that in Adoption Award. While raising their four its congregation would actually enter into the children, Randy and Lori felt led to open their adoption process. Hillcrest recognized that one home to children in need of a family. This call- of the biggest barriers to adoption is often the ing took them to Ethiopia last year where they cost. It set a goal of financing 10 adoptions. adopted three siblings, Amara age 6, Quiana With Hillcrest’s help, the Cummins family age 4, and Titus age 3. In order to connect with was able to adopt a little girl from China, the the culture of their new children and give back Christensen family is bringing a little boy into to the country which was giving them so much, their family from Haiti, and the Stroh family is the Stofferahns decided to travel to Ethiopia in the early stages of a local adoption. Hillcrest as a family and provide agricultural outreach has been able to take away the financial burden to the region while the finalized the adoptions of adoption for families that otherwise may not and gained custody of Amara, Quiana, and have been able to adopt. While this program Tituts. During this trip last July, something has been a church-wide endeavor, Pastor Doug unexpected happened when the family visited Bartel has led this mission. This program was an HIV positive orphanage. The Stofferahns 73 Ten Years Celebrating…

met and fell in love with Bethlehem, a two-year- Bruce and Catherine Thomas old girl who was struggling with the effects of Representative Sam Johnson HIV. Randy and Lori immediately began the Since 1991, Bruce and Catherine Thomas have process of adopting Bethlehem. This culminated made a difference in the lives of Romanian with a second trip to Ethiopia in March 2008 in children. The Thomas’ can be described as which they were able to bring Bethlehem home invaluable assets serving as advocates for the to Sioux Falls to be with her new family. In just care and welfare of the children of Romania. under a year they Stofferahn family doubled Bruce and Catherine have devoted years to in size from four children to eight and with it ministering and caring for orphaned kids in so too has the joy in life and love of family. In Mures County, Romania. Their children’s speaking with anyone from their household, it ministry vision has flourished into full time is evident that their hearts are filled and they residential care for over 50 Romanian children cannot imagine life any other way. It is for these and teenagers and an on-going ministry to reasons I feel Randy and Lori exemplify the another 500 children and teens who still live nature of the Angels in Adoption Award and are in state care in Romania. Today their team deserving recipients. in Romania is made up of over 50 full time Romanian staff and western missionaries. The Thomas’ appropriately named their foundation Texas ‘Livada” because it means orchard and serves as a symbol to them. In the words of Bruce and Mike McMahon Catherine, “We don’t merely want to do good Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison social work. We want our daily labor with these Mike McMahon’s commitment to children and great kids to bear fruit that will last.” Today the adoptive parents is exemplified by his leader- Thomas’ serve in the USA raising resources ship as President of the Gladney Center for and awareness of the ministry opportunities in Adoption. Guided by the strong belief that Romania. Bruce and Catherine Thomas’ dedi- every child deserves a home, Gladney has cation to orphaned Romanian children make found homes for countless children in foster them an outstanding choice for the 2008 Angel care. Under Mike’s leadership, Gladney added in Adoption for the Third District of Texas. It International Adoption Programs, establish- is my honor to nominate them. They are to be ing a strong presence in Africa, Asia, Eastern commended for the great work they do. Europe, and Latin America. In addition, Gladney continues to improve the lives of children in these countries by financially sup- Utah porting numerous humanitarian aid projects. Mike’s leadership also extends to the greater Cynthia Bigelow Texas community, where he serves as a Board Senator Gordon Smith Member of the Texas Alliance of Child and Cynthia Bigelow is the executive director and Family Services and served as a founding cofounder of CHOSEN, a faith-based orga- Board Member of the Ronald McDonald nization reaching out to teen adoptees and House of Fort Worth. His tireless work to their parents with educational, emotional and better the lives of children and adoptive parents spiritual support. She and her husband, Greg, make Mr. McMahon an outstanding choice for are the parents of four children, two by adop- the Angels in Adoption award. tion. Together they founded the Hearts of Compassion Adoption Fund in 1998 to provide educational and financial assistance to those 74 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

wishing to adopt but lacking all of the necessary been blessed to adopt three older children from financial resources. The organization’s mission the Republic of Georgia. The oldest, 20-year-old was later expanded to include post adoption Tylan was adopted at age 8 after the Quigleys support programs and in 2006, the name was received a photo-listing of available children changed to CHOSEN International. who were living in orphanages. Tylan’s profile As CHOSEN International’s executive read “… the only time he cries is when shoes are director, Cynthia Bigelow is committed to passed out at the orphanage and he doesn’t get helping strengthen adoptive families by provid- a pair, because he has no feet.” Tylan (now 20) ing opportunities to educate, encourage and has decided to collect shoes, blankets and cloth- empower them. Current CHOSEN programs ing to send back to the people of Georgia and include teen adoptee camps, adoptive parent- the children he left behind. He and the other ing conferences, and local support groups Quigley children have discovered the blessings facilitated by adoption family therapists. Online and joy that come through service to others less counseling and teen mentoring programs are fortunate than themselves. Their children, who under development. have been cold and have gone without, hope Cynthia Bigelow has been actively that no one anywhere will have to go without involved as a volunteer community adoption basics of life. Their family has been greatly educator for the past fifteen years, and is a blessed by participating in service projects. They passionate advocate for foster and adopted chil- are true Angels in Adoption. dren, and for those parenting them. CHOSEN International’s teen camp motto is the Ella Fitzgerald quote: “It isn’t where you come from; Vermont it’s where you’re going that counts”, and it is Cynthia Bigelow’s personal desire to have this Dawn Smith-Pliner empowering truth shared with adolescents who Senator Patrick Leahy have been adopted as they make choices that Senator Bernard Sanders can affect the direction of the rest of their lives. Representative Peter Welch Dawn Smith-Pliner’s journey in adoption began James and Alicia Quigley 30 years ago when she and her husband Joel Representative Rob Bishop experienced rejection from numerous adoption James and Alicia Quigley have been married agencies. Agencies gave them a variety of rea- for more than 25 years. They have five biologi- sons: they had not been married long enough, cal children ranging in age from 18 to 24. After were not making enough money, they did not watching a report on 20/20 regarding needy share the same religion. Recognizing that she children, their hearts were warmed by the idea would need to take things into her own hands, of adopting in Romania. Since that time, they Dawn vowed that no one was going to tell them have adopted 14 children with special needs or they could not become parents. Dawn became as they like to say, “children with special circum- actively involved in finding legal alternative to stances.” Six were adopted internationally and the agencies saying “no”, and learned that there eight were adopted domestically. They range were birth families themselves who thought that in age from 3 to 20 and represent an enriching they would make great adoptive parents. In mix of ethnic backgrounds. In addition, Alicia 1979 Joel and Dawn became parents to their has volunteered with Adopt America Network daughter Aura through an open adoption. A for eight years and has been fortunate to help year later, they again became parents to Isaac hundreds of families and special children find via a closed adoption. After these two very dif- permanent adoptive homes. The Quigleys have ferent experiences, and they personal joy Dawn 75 Ten Years Celebrating…

felt, she had a desire to help others fulfill their newly adopted infant son, one mom said “We dreams of having a family. In response to receiv- thank God, Bethany, and the love of Mathew’s ing phone calls from families wanting her to birthparents every day for this precious new assist them in adopting, “Friends in Adoption”, creation we have been chosen to care for and a non profit licensed adoption agency was estab- love. Mathew completes our home.” Because of lished. Dawn has been a pioneer in promoting millions of stories like this one and even more a child-centered, compassionate approach that waiting to be told, Bethany Christian Services emphasizes nurturing a trusting relationship remains a passionate and vital community part- between birth parents and prospective adoptive ner actively engaged on behalf of the children parents — with a common focus on the needs of our Hampton Roads Community. Through of the child and recongnizing that adoption is a their mission and good works, Bethany Chris- lifelong process based on honesty and mutual tian Services serves as a beacon of hope for respect among all the participants in this triad. those working through the adoption process, During the past quarter century, Dawn’s tireless in need of a family, struggling with unplanned effort has created over a thousand families, and pregnancies or infertility, and a host of other more than fifty in the last year. deeply personal challenges. They have touched the lives of countless Hampton Roads children and families with a compassion and sincerity Virginia that is unmatched.

Bethany Christian Services of Hampton Bill Dingman Roads Representative Bob Goodlatte Representative Thelma D. Drake Bill Dingman has a history of service. He had a Beginning in 1944 when two women cared for a career in the postal service, serving the public. homeless infant in their Grand Rapids, Michi- In retirement, he continues his service to others gan apartment, Bethany Christian Services has as a single father to three adoptive children and grown into a comprehensive agency provid- as an inspiration to Central Virginia families. ing services that include adoption, foster care Mr. Dingman was widowed with two grown and counseling. They are committed to finding children when he met his late wife Lynda Ding- the best families for children in need around man. Lynda had been a foster parent for more the world, as the ministry has grown into an than 30 years when the couple met. After the international team of nearly 900 dedicated pro- couple married they continued in providing a fessionals actively ministering to children and loving home for foster children, and in particu- families, including the local branch in Hamp- lar three foster children that they would make ton Roads. As a result of local need, Bethany permanent members of their family: Melissa, of Hampton Roads began serving clients in Kaitlyn, and Marty. The couple began as foster December 1991 and numerous children have parents for Kaityln and Marty as infants, and been served in the area since that time. In just finalized their adoptions shortly after. Melissa, the past year, 56 clients were served through the who has cerebral palsy, was older when she pregnancy counseling program with an addi- came to the family, and her adoption was not tional 83 women, men and their families receiv- finalized until after Lynda passed away from ing help to meet their pregnancy-related needs. breast cancer. Now, Bill is a single parent to his In addition, 29 children received adoption three children. He, like all parents, stays busy placement services, 11 children received foster getting his children to all their various school and care services, and 100 families received adoption church activities and getting Melissa, who has preparation services. After bringing home her had two major operations, to regular physical 76 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

therapy appointments. Bill has a strong faith Hubbell — the highest rating given in the law and uses that to raise his family and confront for ethics and expertise. the challenges that they face. He is modest about how inspirational his story is, but it is Lydia Maddox clear that Bill and his family are an inspira- Senator John Warner tion. He and Lynda, through service in foster Lydia is a single mom who adopted 2 siblings care and through adoption, show that ordinary from a sibling group of 9 who were in foster people can do extraordinary things in the lives care in our agency (King William Social Ser- of others. It gives me great pleasure to honor the vice). These 2 were originally placed with her work of the Dingmans by nominating them as mother, Mrs. Burnell Maddox in foster care, Angels in Adoption. I hope that this story will Lydia was very involved in their care while they raise awareness about the need for foster and were with her mother. Lydia decided to adopt adoptive parents and inspire others to open their these 2 siblings and has made it a clear mission homes to children in need. on her part to keep the children in touch with their siblings before and since the adoption. Colleen Marea Quinn Not only does she make sure that her children Representative Eric Cantor stay in touch, but she goes out of her way to Ms. Quinn is a strong advocate for adop- visit with the other siblings wherever they have tion as an attorney in the Richmond, Virginia been placed to make sure they are all in touch area. Since 1989, Ms. Quinn has represented with each other. She has been the “link” for all hundreds of adopting parents, birth parents, 9 of the siblings. She has attended trainings intended parents, and adoptees. Ms. Quinn on foster and adoptive parenting and has even has been an active member of the American worked for a brief time with “One Church, One Academy of Adoption Attorneys (“AAAA”), Child” in Richmond, VA, an organization with serving on the Board of Trustees and speaking the mission of reducing the numbers of children frequently at annual and mid-year meetings. (especially African American) in the Virginia She published the “Representing Birth Par- foster care system by promoting and recruiting ents Handbook” for the AAAA in 2003. She adoptive families from area churches. Lydia also served as Chairperson of the AAAA 2007 has served on the Social Services Board for Annual Convention in Williamsburg, Virginia King William County, VA and is a very active and as Chairperson of the Birth Parents Rep- member of her church — Third Union Baptist. resentation Committee from 1999 to 2003. Ms. Ms. Maddox has a big heart and has ”adopted” Quinn has been active in aiding the Virginia into her life these 9 children, even if she has only legislature to improve their adoption laws over legally adopted the 2. the past few years. Her participation in this process has been vital to the improvement of Virginia adoption laws and she was recognized Washington by LDS Family Services in 2006 for her extensive legislative work. She has been responsible Janis Avery for teaching and moderating numerous Con- Representative Jim McDermott tinuing Legal Education programs in Virginia Janis Avery is the Executive Director of Tree- since 1987. Ms. Quinn also was recognized by house. Treehouse, a nonprofit agency based Virginia Business magazine as one of Virginia’s in Seattle, offers education and enrichment “Legal Elite” in 2005, and Richmond Magazine services for children and youth living in foster named her a “Super Lawyer” in 2006, 2007, and care, filling gaps that no other agency addresses. 2008. She holds an “AV” rating by Martindale Since 1988, Treehouse has been making a 77 Ten Years Celebrating…

difference in the lives of foster kids by helping West Virginia with school, fulfilling key material needs and paying for extras that are, for most kids, just a Jeff and Amy Dunford regular part of growing up. Academic success, Senator Jay Rockefeller combined with social and recreational enrich- Jeff and Amy applied to be foster parents in ment, is the key to opportunity for children September 2003 with a desire to make a positive coping with the effects of abuse and neglect. difference in the life of at least one child. Jeff Treehouse serves foster kids with six programs: and Amy received their first foster placements “The Wearhouse” is a free store where kids shop in December of that same year. While their first for clothing they need in styles they want, along placement was short lived, only a 5 day stay with school supplies, toys, books and other for the two siblings, it wasn’t long before their essentials; “Little Wishes” pays for activities and whole world would change forever. In Janu- experiences that every child deserves – things ary 2004, the Dunfords took in a sibling group as small as hair care and as big as horseback of three. The children were ages 5, 10, and 14. riding lessons; “Summer Camp” sends kids on With these new additions to the Dunford home, adventures that create memories for a lifetime; things weren’t always “sunshine and roses,” yet Tutoring works with kids at their schools and the Dunfords endured and a few short months after school, helping to bridge the educational later they agreed to take in another child. This achievement gap between kids in foster care and time, they were blessed with a one-month old their classmates from more stable homes; “Edu- girl. The Dunfords and “their kids” had some cational Advocacy” works statewide to protect difficult times ahead. As with most foster care students’ educational rights and remove barriers placements, visitation occurred on a weekly to school success. This is the only Treehouse basis for all the children. Plus there is the count- program that operates beyond King County; less medical appointments, MDT meetings, and “Coaching-to-College” gives kids support counseling sessions, parent/teacher conferences, as they explore career options and follow their and all the other little things that foster parents dreams for the future. Janis has been director of do. Amy was running ragged trying to keeping Treehouse for ten years. As a social worker and up with it all. The 14 year old eventually had to adoptive parent of two children from foster care, be placed in a separate foster home during to she has dedicated her life to improving the cir- behaviors that were more than the Dunfords cumstances of children in foster care. She serves could handle. They tried for months to work on the Children Youth and Families Advisory through the problems that were occurring with Committee, advising Assistant Secretary for her, but sadly, Amy and Jeff had to say their Children’s Administration, Cheryl Stephani. She good-byes to her. However, her two brothers is a member of the Children’s Alliance Public stayed with the Dunfords. During this time, the Policy Committee and the Child Welfare Advo- Dunfords were able to adopt the three foster cacy Committee. She is well known as a leader placements that were in their home. The Dun- in improving educational outcomes for children fords officially became parents for the first time. in foster care and co-chairs the statewide Edu- They adopted Jeremy (age 11), Walter (age 6) cational Oversight Committee for Children and and Holly (age 1) in the Spring of 2005. The Youth in Foster Care. As Executive Director, Dunfords continued to take in more children. she devotes her time to program management, Some stayed for short-term placements while community collaboration, fund raising and others became more long-term. One of the systems advocacy. placements was another sibling group of three small boys; ages 2, 1, and 1 month old. These boys came with lots of health concerns. Amy 78 2008 Angels in AdoptionTM Gala

and Jeff spent many sleepless nights rocking experiencing the international adoptions of her congested babies, countless hours waiting in two daughters from Russia in 1997, she was doctor offices, and many unexpected trips to the determined to assist others who would also go emergency room. They have fought infections through this often long and complex adoption and diseases that most of us had never even process. Through her work with Children’s heard of. But yet, they endured. The Dunfords Hope Network, she has undertaken countless wiped away tears when the biological parents humanitarian aid mission projects that have wouldn’t show for visits, they picked up the provided orphaned children around the world a pieces to broken toys and furniture when the message of hope through donations of educa- boys would act-out after visiting with their tional and medical supplies, hand made quilts, parents, they provided love and comfort when and support of nutritional and educational the boys would cry for their mother. The Dun- infant resuscitation programs. As an adoption fords, after 3 long years of patiently waiting for advocate and for her humanitarian projects, DHHR staff to decide how many more chances Sandy has been featured in several local news- they would give the parents, finally were able papers including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, to adopt the boys that they had helped to raise. M-Magazine, Ozaukee Press, and the Ozaukee News The Dunfords were asked if they wanted any Graphic, for raising awareness in the community more children. Amy immediately said she’s have and finding support from the local area public a dozen if the state would let her, but the six that and private schools, churches, a Boy Scout she had would keep her busy enough. Today, Troop, and hospitals for her organization’s mis- the Dunford family consists of Jeff and Amy, sion programs. Through all her efforts, Sandy the proud parents of Jeremy, Walter, Holly, works to bring the message of hope to children Richard, Greg, and Christopher. The family who have none while inspiring others through keeps in touch with staff, providing updates the gifts that come with giving. For these efforts, on school performance, health, birthdays, and Sandy Destrampe is supported as a 2008 Angel special milestones … just like when they were in Adoption. fostering. The Dunfords will always be part of the CHS family and staff feels blessed to have Lynn M. Lehr been an integral part of helping bring this family Representative Paul Ryan together. Amy and Jeff continue to participate Lynn M. Lehr is employed by the WI Depart- in foster care recruitment and training. ment of Children & Families in the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children Pro- gram. Lynn has been involved in this program Wisconsin for the past ten years. This award is a reflection of Lynn’s commitment and continued dedication Sandy Destrampe to serving the children of Wisconsin. Lynn goes Representative Jim Sensenbrenner above and beyond, providing quality services Sandy Destrampe is being honored for her and making a difference in the lives of children. dedication and commitment in As a result, the children are placed in a safe and bringing a message of hope to orphaned chil- stable environments and nurtured so that their dren both here and abroad. Sandy is founder lives are better and they have a chance to enjoy and Executive Director of Children’s Hope life, no matter where they live or whom they are Network, Inc. of Grafton, a not for profit child placed with, saving one child a time. placement agency in Wisconsin. The organization assists and supports parents in the process of domestic and international adoption. After 79 Ten Years Celebrating…

Mark and Jennifer Poehlmann Tom and Debra Schmelz Representative Steve Kagan Senator Amy Klobuchar Mark and Jennifer Poehlman were glowing In July of 2007, Tom and Deb Schmelz held with joy at the arrival of their new beauti- their four month old daughter, Maria, for the ful babies — Emanuel ‘Manny’ and Lilliana first time. Although the temperate 75-degree ‘Lil’. I couldn’t have chosen a better family days of Guatemala City dipped to cooler tem- to be named an Angel. Mark and Jennifer peratures during the mornings and evenings, fought through an ever changing and emo- reminding Tom and Deb of a warm, Minnesota tional demanding international adoption from fall day, they still had a long journey before Guatemala. Mark and Jennifer worked with returning home. Tom and Deb had decided that an adoption agency from Dallas, TX to obtain if Maria wanted a sibling, the time to complete their referral. Mark and Jennifer literally snuck the process was while they were still in-country, under every closing door. An unexpected road before the future of pending Guatemalan adop- block came to the family when the agency told tions became unknown. So at the conclusion them they could not match anymore fami- of that initial visit, while Tom had to return to lies. They were devastated. Soon, Mark and the United States, Deb was able to hold their Jennifer were helped by a different agency second daughter, Eliana, when she was just six and received a referral for Manny. They were days old. Deb lived in Antigua for seven-and- overjoyed! Then, the Dallas agency called and a-half months as a foster parent to Maria and informed them that another family backed out Eliana while waiting for their adoptions to be and they had a child for them. Mark and Jen- fully processed. She became fluent in Span- nifer went from being told they could not get a ish, set up an apartment for the family, and child to being blessed with two. The Poehlman’s met other foster parents along with members made several trips to Guatemala to visit Manny of the local community. Tom returned to work and Lil. The wheels had begun to turn and now in Minneapolis, but flew in to visit whenever it was time to wait. Lil’s approval and move to possible. Finally, in February of 2008, the the states went very smooth; however, Manny’s adoptions were granted, and the entire Schmelz did not. Mark had to stay in Guatemala for two family – Tom, Deb, Maria and Eliana – was weeks trying to get an appointment for himself reunited back home in Hudson, Wisconsin, just and Manny so they could go home to their across the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. Far family. He waited amongst mobs of people at from this being the end of their wonderful story, the American Embassy. The experience was however, Tom and Deb have continued to show frustrating and the Poehlman’s relied of faith their commitment to international adoptions by and perseverance to get through the ordeal. becoming a source of information and support Eventually, Mark was able to get an appoint- to other adoptive families. During a Vietnamese ment with the help of his Congressman and they and Guatemalan Adoption Forum sponsored boarded the plane to the United States. The by Senator Klobuchar, Tom and Deb attended, Poehlman’s, Mark, Jennifer, Manny and Lil, are after having only been home for two-and-a-half all together in Green Bay, Wisconsin where they months, to offer whatever help and hope they begin a new adventure as a family. Mark and could to waiting parents. For Tom and Deb, Jennifer’s strength earns them this recognition adoption has given them the “great gifts of two and their story is an inspiration to us all. daughters” — a gift which they wish to share with other hopeful parents. We applaud their dedication to their own family, and are honored to recognize their efforts to afford others that same joy. 80 © 2008 Freddie Mac

Making Home a Place Where Children and Families Thrive.

www.FreddieMacFoundation.org The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s 2008 Angels in Adoption™ Gala To know even one life has breathed Ten Years easier because you have lived… This is to have succeeded! — Ralph Waldo Emerson 10 Celebrating Ordinary People Doing Special Thanks To Extraordinary Things Our Diamond Sponsor

Freddie Mac Foundation September 16, 2008 Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Washington, DC

Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

311 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202.544.8500 Fax 202.544.8501 www.ccainstitute.org