The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Angels in Adoption Awards 2000
Angels in Adoption™Program
The Angels in Adoption™ Program, CCAI’s signature public awareness program, which provides an opportunity to all members of the U.S. Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans. This program includes an annual event in Washington, D.C., the Angels in Adoption™ gala, which is geared toward highlighting ordinary people doing extraordinary things. These “unsung heroes” are selected by members of the U.S. Congress.
In addition to the “unsung heroes” chosen from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, “National Angels” are recognized for their adoption and foster care advocacy on a broader, nationwide scale. Former “National Angels” include notables such as Victoria Rowell, Muhammad Ali, Dave Thomas, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Bruce Willis.
This award is a celebration of those committed individuals making a difference in the lives of children and families.
"The Congressional Coalition on Adoption is a bicameral, non-partisan alliance of 150 Members of Congress dedicated to improving adoption policy and practice. The purpose of the Coalition is to focus public attention on the advantages of adoption for all concerned-the child, the biological parents and the adoptive parents.
Each year, Members of Congress recognize those individuals who have made a difference in the lives of children and families through adoption, and they are called "Angels in Adoption."
Rep. Virgil H. Goode, Jr. from Virginia stated:
"Cathy Harris has facilitated and supported many families adopting children from the Ukraine. A mother of five herself, Ms. Harris has helped dozens of families fulfill their dreams. Her efforts and experience benefit both families in the U.S. and children in the Ukraine.
In addition to helping to build these families, Cathy Harris provides them opportunities to share their experiences through the organization that she created, the Independent Ukrainian Adoptive Family Network (IUAFN).
Ms. Harris is always willing to lend an ear or a shoulder, living by the IUAFN motto, "families helping families." She puts a complicated process at an understandable level, making adoptions possible where families might otherwise get lost in paperwork and international red tape.
Ms. Harris has provided invaluable support and assistance to the Guthrie family of Palmyra, Virginia,as they go through the process of adopting a Ukrainian child. Thanks to Ms. Harris, the Fifth District of Virginia hopes to welcome another young member to very soon."
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