Recognizing the Schumm Family as 2013 Angels in Adoption

As a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I am committed to promoting awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging Americans to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children. Many families in Kansas and across our nation have made a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of children through adoption. I recently had the opportunity to recognize one of these Kansas families by nominating them as 2013 Angels in Adoption through the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption program. This program honors those who have made outstanding contributions on behalf of children in need of loving homes. 

Jonathan and Allison Schumm of Topeka are vocal advocates for adoption, who strongly believe in the value of family and keeping families together. Including their four biological children, Jonathan and Allison are the proud parents of fourteen after adopting two sibling-sets of five each from the foster care system. The Schumm family is also active in adoption advocacy organizations including Project Belong and the Kansas Children’s Service League. As part of their advocacy efforts, the Schumm family regularly speaks to others about the joys of providing a supportive, loving, and permanent home to children in need through adoption. I had the opportunity to visit with them this week while they were in Washington, D.C., for the Angels in Adoption ceremonies. Their compassion and commitment has given their children both a family and a bright future. When dedicated individuals make a major difference in a child’s life through adoption, families are strengthened and communities are enriched. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to nominate them for this well-deserved honor.