Kansas Foster Parent Given National Honor

WIBW-TV reported this weekend that an area foster parent and adoptive
parent was nominated by Congresswoman Boyda to honor him by the
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. I would like to
congratulate Mr. Griffiths on this honor.

In the article (below) Boyda said:

"Earlier this year, the House of
Representatives honored foster parents by unanimously passing my
National Foster Parents Day resolution. Yesterday's awards gala was
another opportunity to honor these loving families. Of course, no
award can repay the efforts of caring men and women like Stuart, but I
hope the recognition helps to express our nation's gratitude for their
efforts."

This is great and should be an additional incentive for the President
to Proclaim National Foster Parents Day.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District)
has honored Riley resident Stuart Griffiths as a 2007 Angel in
Adoption for his exceptional work as a foster and adoptive parent. The
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which
orchestrates the Angels in Adoption program, Thursday honored Mr.
Giffiths, along with more than 180 other Angels nominated by Members
of Congress across America, at an awards ceremony and gala event in
Washington, D.C.

Mr. Griffiths is a dedicated foster parent who has, over the years,
hosted 32 foster children. Mr. Griffiths first started working with
children as a wrestling coach while in college, when he gave rides to
and from practice to a young man living in a group home.

Mr. Griffiths wanted to do more to help, so he began volunteering at
the young man's group home – helping with homework, playing ball, and
whatever else was needed.

Eventually, the home asked Mr. Griffiths to take on the role of
assistant director. He later returned to school and earned a degree in
social work, and he has devoted the last eight years of his life to
working in child protective services.

As a foster parent, Mr. Griffiths has focused on helping children who
were victims of abuse or had behavioral problems grow into successful
and talented adults. He now has five adopted sons, ranging in age from
14 to 19.

Congresswoman Boyda said, "For over a decade now, Stuart has opened
his home and his heart to children in need. His efforts are moving and
truly inspiring, and I'm pleased to have the chance to honor his
caring work."

CCAI was created in 2001 by the active co-chairs of the bicameral,
bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) to more
effectively raise Congressional and public awareness about the issue
of adoption.

The Angels in Adoption program is CCAI's signature public awareness
campaign and provides an opportunity for 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 in the United States
and abroad.

The Angels in Adoption program was established in 1999 as a
Congressional press conference to honor outstanding individuals. Since
then, the program has developed into a yearlong public awareness
campaign culminating in an awards gala and celebration in Washington,
D.C.

Congresswoman Boyda added, "Earlier this year, the House of
Representatives honored foster parents by unanimously passing my
National Foster Parents Day resolution. Yesterday's awards gala was
another opportunity to honor these loving families. Of course, no
award can repay the efforts of caring men and women like Stuart, but I
hope the recognition helps to express our nation's gratitude for their
efforts."