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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone honored Metuchen residents, husband and wife Jim Russell and Renee Olson, as "Angels in Adoption" last week during their visit to Washington, D.C. to receive a Congressional award.
In December, Renee Olson and Jim Russell adopted a 6-year-old boy from Ethiopia named Daniel who was in an orphanage because his mother had died of AIDS. Renee and Jim selected Ethiopia because so many people are reluctant to adopt from a country that has a high percentage of HIV/AIDS.
"Renee and Jim sought to make a real difference in the life of a child and they have already succeeded," Pallone said. "They have offered a bright future and endless opportunities to Daniel. He came to the United States knowing very few English words, in only 7 months he is already able to read simple books. Renee and Jim have created a loving family and are truly worthy of the title of 'Angels'."
The "Angels in Adoption" program is sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, a bipartisan, bicameral caucus of members of Congress dedicated to raising public and Congressional awareness of the importance and advantage of adoption. "Angels in Adoption" is an annual awards program that allows members of Congress to honor the work of a constituent who has enriched the lives of foster children and orphans.
Pallone, a member of the coalition, nominated Olson and Russell as the Sixth Congressional District's angels earlier this year. The couple and their son traveled to Washington, D.C. last week to be honored at the annual "Angels in Adoption" awards gala. While in Washington, the family met with Pallone. |
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