When we are asked what is our greatest accomplishment, we are quick to say, “Investments made in the lives of others, especially the children”. We are the founders of The Shepherd’s Staff, a Christian non-profit organization that has received local and national recognition and improved the lives of hundreds of families since it’s inception in 1990. We have four children, two of which joined their family through adoption and have fostered 70+ children. Our family has been actively involved in helping several of our foster children find and transition into their “forever” families.
Our Angels in Adoption experience provided encouragement, camaraderie and a challenge to return home (to Alabama) and further the cause of the "fatherless" in our state. Angels offered a variety of useful information, a venue to meet some amazing families and a vital resource for taking the next step in becoming better advocates for Alabama's Children. In fact, while getting to know some Angels from Arkansas and sharing a "dream" for the expansion of The Shepherd's Staff, Inc.; they directed us to the C.A.L.L. (Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime). To make a long story short, we contacted Mary Carol Pederson, the director at that time, who was a tremendous help. We were given permission to use the name, replacing Arkansas with Alabama; we incorporated many of the C.A.L.L.'s ideas and implemented several new services to foster and adoptive parents which in turn greatly benefits the children and ultimately strengthens the family.
We are working hard to get our local Department of Human Resources more on board. They are grateful for the assistance but, a bit reluctant to try new methods. We have been working with children and families in Alabama since 1985. We have worked diligently to maintain a good relationship with the Department of Human Resources because of the extreme need for quality families. The resources, the encouragement and the relationships resulting from our Angel Experience have served to keep us focused and moving ahead
“Out of the many awards I’ve received, the one that means the most to me is the Angel in Adoption award. This award is truly a highlight of my continued effort and hard work to move foster children to adoption in permanent homes. Thank you, CCAI.”
-Judge Peter Sakai, 225th District Court, Bexar County, San Antonio, TX
“Since receiving the award we have expanded twice to represent even more children. We often look back on the award and remember how important it was to our morale as a young office just starting out and doing things a bit differently than everyone else. One of the highlights of the award ceremony was actually the day after when we got to meet with Representative Wexler in his office. It was a rare opportunity to discuss children’s issues one on one with a member of Congress. Both Representative Wexler and the CCAI encouraged us to keep on fighting as hard as we can for permanent homes for foster children. We continue to strive to deserve the award the CCAI bestowed on us every time we go to court on behalf of an abused child.” -The Foster Children’s Project, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, FL
Each year, CCAI sponsors Angels in Adoption™, our signature public awareness program, which provides a unique opportunity for Members of Congress to honor an individual or entity that has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes.These heroes hail from all 50 states and the District of Columbia and represent the wide spectrum of individuals involved in the adoption and foster care process. Because of this program, over 1600 “Angels” have come to Washington in celebration of adoption and left with a renewed excitement of all that adoption makes possible.
In addition, CCAI recognizes the work of a select number of “National Angels in Adoption.” As the name implies, a “National Angel” is someone whose impact on foster care or adoption is nation or worldwide. Previous National Angels in Adoption™ winners include: Muhammad Ali, First Lady Laura Bush, Patti LaBelle, Jane Seymour, Dave Thomas of Wendy’s, Antwone Fisher, Alonzo Mourning, and Bruce Willis.
