Press Releases

Today U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) recognized Maria del Mar Velasco and Vladimir Diaz, from Bay Harbor Islands, Fla., for receiving the 2012 Angels in Adoption award for their outstanding advocacy on behalf of adoption and foster care issues.

The couple, who are licensed with the Family Resource Center of South Florida, are being honored for opening their homes and hearts to several foster care children in need of a family. Last year on National Adoption Day, Maria del Mar and Vladimir’s dream became a reality when they adopted a beautiful and special 18-month-old girl, Anisa. They are also active advocates on issues important to foster children, and are committed to working on strengthening foster care in the South Florida community.

“Maria del Mar and Vladimir are inspiring examples of what it means to be Angels in Adoption, and I’m so grateful for their work to increase public awareness about adoption,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “It is wonderful that the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute is recognizing their efforts and contributions.”

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is honoring the couple, along with more than 140 other winners, at an awards ceremony in Washington this week. The couple will also have an opportunity to participate in training events and bring much-needed attention to the adoption and fostering processes.

“We are very grateful to Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for nominating us as Angels in Adoption,” said Maria del Mar Velasco. “We are going to work to increase public awareness of these important issues and advocate for the thousands of children who need care. We strongly believe that we can make a difference by championing the rights of children to grow up in loving and safe families.”

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a nonpartisan, non- profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes through adoption. CCAI’s goal is the elimination of the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family. The Angels in Adoption program is CCAI’s signature public awareness campaign and provides an opportunity for all members of 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.