Vermont Family Honored For Their Dedication To Children

. . . Leahy-Nominated Family Hailed As “Angels In Adoption”

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, Sept. 19) – The Rea family of Calais will be recognized as “Angels In Adoption” Wednesday night  at the Eighth Annual Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) awards gala.  Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) nominated Robert and Roslyn Rea for their dedication to finding loving and permanent homes for Vermont children in crisis.

The Reas, together with their children, have dedicated much of the past 10 years to helping some of Vermont’s most vulnerable children.  Adoptive parents to five children in addition to their three biological children, the Reas have opened their home to parents, grandparents, and social workers alike, and over the years they have helped many young mothers and children reunite.  As foster parents, the Reas have provided a safe haven for children who are awaiting placement in foster care -- particularly young children, special needs infants and large sibling groups.

Because of this dedication, Leahy nominated the Rea family for the CCAI “Angels in Adoption” award.  Leahy is a member of the Coalition and a leader in Congress on adoption issues.  The Angels in Adoption Campaign was established by CCAI to raise awareness about adoption and to honor dedicated individuals throughout the nation for their efforts in helping needy children and families through adoption.  The Reas will be in Vermont at the time of the ceremony, which will be held in downtown Washington.

“Parents, adoptive parents and foster parents – no matter how you phrase it, Bob and Ros Rea have opened their hearts and their home to children from all backgrounds,” said Leahy.  “They, and their children, have made their home a safe and nurturing shelter where many scared and abused young children have found comfort and safety during frightening times.” 

“The Reas are a blessing to social workers, being known to travel at a moment’s notice, at any hour of the day, to hospitals, police stations, or court houses to pick up children,” said Diane Dexter, Adoption Chief for the State of Vermont.

In addition to the “angels” selected from each state for their regional adoption efforts, “national angels” are chosen to recognize those who make a difference on the national scale.  This year’s recipients are Daunte Culpepper, quarterback for the Miami Dolphins; Invisible Children, a documentary and grassroots movement; and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, hip hop legend of Run DMC. 

For more information on Angels In Adoption visit www.ccainstitute.org.

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