WASHINGTON -- Congressman Tom Petri helped kick off National Adoption Month at a congressional reception Tuesday where he pledged to help find parents for two sisters, 14- year-old Elizabeth and 13-year-old JuAlyse.

"They are both in foster care, and as they are already teenagers, they are running out of time to have the security of a 'forever family,' as the adoption services call it," Petri said.

Colleen M. Ellingson, Executive Director of Adoption Resources of Wisconsin, met with Petri at the reception and noted, "November is National Adoption Month, and we really wanted to give recognition to the legislators who promote adoption, and also bring awareness that there are children out there - over 120,000 in the United States, that need homes at this time."

Petri responded, "At a time when so many people would like to have children, and at the same time there are children without a family, putting the children together with parents or families is certainly a worthwhile cause, and I'm happy to contribute in some small way toward this effort."

For further information, Adoption Resources of Wisconsin can be reached at (414) 475-1246.

Rep. Tom Petri with Colleen M. Ellingson, the Executive Director of Adoption Resources of Wisconsin.