11.19.11

Hoeven: Adoptive Families Have Much To Be Thankful For

GRAND FORKS, ND – Senator John Hoeven and his wife Mikey congratulated five North Dakota families who finalized adoptions this morning at the Grand Forks County Courthouse during National Adoption Day, and said that the newly expanded families have much to be thankful for as they look ahead to Thanksgiving. The Hoevens attended the annual event, which was being held for the third year in Grand Forks.

“A loving family is the greatest gift we can have, and today adoption has made that possible for seven children. Adoption provides a stable, dependable home life for children, which gives them a better framework in which to excel in school and contribute to the community. Adoption also gives families a new opportunity to grow in love and make an unparalleled difference in another person’s life. Thank you to the adoptive families, which are a little larger today, for opening your hearts and homes in this way,” Hoeven said.

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution Wednesday declaring today National Adoption Day in an effort to promote national awareness about adoption. More than 3,500 children are expected to be adopted today across the country.

At this morning’s event, Hoeven also thanked all who work to make adoptions possible in North Dakota, including District Judge Joel Medd, who the Senator recognized in October with a national Angels in Adoption award for his work with families going through the adoptive process.

The senator spoke at a program following the finalization of seven adoptions in five families. Adoption workers and other professionals were on hand to facilitate the final process. The senator was joined by local officials and adoptive advocates including Grand Forks Mayor Michael Brown, North Dakota Department of Health Adoption Administrator Julie Hoffman, Judge Medd, adoption workers, and adoptive families and children.