[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO ALAN AND KRISTINE YEADON OF JEROME, MI, FOR THEIR WORK 
                          WITH FOSTER CHILDREN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alan and 
Kristine Yeadon of Jerome, MI. The Yeadons have been selected to 
receive the National ``Angels in Adoption'' Award for their tireless 
effort to care for the children of Michigan. On this date, September 
30, 2003, the Congressional Adoption Institute will present this award 
at ceremonies in the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.
  Alan and Kristine have their home in Somerset Township, MI and are 
active participants at Somerset Congregational Church. Alan is a 
successful engineer. More importantly, however, Alan and Kristine have 
fostered children for the last 3 years. In that time they fostered 13 
children and raised five of their own.
  When Alan and Kristine Yeadon first applied for foster parenthood 
they asked for children younger than their own. Their oldest child at 
the time was 12. Their first placement turned out to be three teenage 
children and an infant! The Yeadons quickly found that older children 
were a good fit for their family. Currently, children ranging from 1-15 
years old live in their home.
  They began their foster parenthood after seeing firsthand the great 
need for parents. Kristine's parents took in foster children. Alan 
participated in the Kinship program. They had the time, concern, and 
love to share with children and their families. Today, the Yeadons are 
adopting a daughter to add to their ever-changing family.
  They have had many successes. Some children returned to a better life 
with their biological parents, some were placed with relatives, and 
others are ready for adoption. In addition to helping these foster 
children, Alan and Kristine believe that this experience benefited 
their own children. ``All of our children have made many adjustments 
along the way. It has not always been easy for them but the lessons 
they have learned and the great amount of compassion, understanding, 
acceptance, and flexibility they now possess will stay with them 
always.''
  On behalf of Congress, I offer our thanks and congratulations for 
their tireless efforts to help others. It is their kind of dedication 
that makes America great.

                          ____________________