The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) recently honord R&B artist Ne-Yo as a 2012 National Angels in Adoption™ for his dedication and commitment to adoption and foster care issues.
CCAI recognized Ne-Yo as well as actress Katherine Heigl, singer-songwriter Josh Kelley, and PEOPLE Magazine, along with local Angels recognized by 143 Members of Congress, at their 14th annual awards gala in Washington, D.C. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Representative Michele Bachmann (R-MN), and Representative Karen Bass (D-CA) presented the awards; musical entertainment will be provided by award-winning musician Steven Curtis Chapman.
“The Angels in Adoption™ Program proves that all it takes for a child’s life story to have a happy ending is for someone to step in and be their hero,” said CCAI Executive Director Kathleen Strottman. “Katherine, Josh, Ne-Yo and PEOPLE Magazine chose to get involved and make a difference. We are hoping others will hear their stories and feel inspired to do the same.”
In 2007, Grammy Award winning R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo founded the Compound Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to increasing awareness about the status of those in the child welfare system. The foundation supports and partners with residential care facilities and independent group homes through programs aimed at teaching entrepreneurship and life skills that will empower youth to become productive, successful, and independent adults.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as an Angel in Adoption. The fact is that every youth in foster care should receive the love and support that a family provides. The Compound Foundation works to help make that possible.”
“Angels in Adoption™ is unlike any other program in the Nation’s Capital. Because of it, over 1900 Angels have come to Washington in celebration of adoption and left with a renewed appreciation of all that adoption makes possible,” said Kathleen Strottman. “On Capitol Hill, knowledge is power. The Angels in Adoption™ Program gives Members of Congress the knowledge they need to use the power they have to help make the dream of a family a reality for every child.”
The Angels in Adoption™ Program was established in 1999 as a Congressional press conference to honor outstanding individuals. Since then, the program has evolved into a yearlong public awareness campaign that culminates in an annual awards gala and celebration in Washington, D.C.
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute ( www.ccainstitute.org ) is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization that strives to be an objective, educational resource for information critical to advancing the efforts of federal policymakers on behalf of children in need of homes.
