Congressman Steve King today congratulated Melissa King, a resident of Emmetsburg, Iowa, for her selection as an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Congressman King nominated the Palo Alto county resident for this recognition because of the “special affection for children in need” and the “outstanding dedication to finding loving homes for as many children as possible” she has demonstrated as a member of the Iowa Department of Human Services. Congressman King, a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, takes a special interest in programs that help facilitate adoption, as he and his wife, Marilyn, have been foster parents themselves.
“Melissa King has dedicated her life’s work to finding loving homes for children with special needs throughout Iowa, and I was pleased to submit her name as my nominee for recognition in the ‘Angels in Adoption’ program,” said King. “Melissa’s concern for the children she works with is evident, and she has an incredibly caring and compassionate heart that serves these children well. Melissa King’s colleagues at the Iowa Department of Human Services hold her work in high esteem, and she is well deserving of the honor that the Congressional Coalition on Adoptions Institute has bestowed upon her.”
Melissa King (no relation to the Congressman) has spent the past 20 years serving children and families in Iowa. In 2012, Melissa King was promoted to the position of child protection assessor within the Iowa Department of Human Services. In 2017, King transitioned within the office to the role of adoption specialist, and she works to successfully locate homes and coordinate services for children with special needs. Her son, Michael, accompanied Melissa to the ceremony in Congressman King’s office.
The Congressional Coalition on Adoptions Institute has sponsored the ‘Angels in Adoption’ recognition program for 21 years. People who earn the designation as an “Angel in Adoption” are being recognized for “making extraordinary contributions to adoption, permanency, and child welfare.”
Additional Background:
Congressman King is a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, which works to brief members of Congress and their staff on policy initiatives that strengthen and improve foster care and adoption programs. Senator Chuck Grassley is also a member of this caucus, and his nominees, Liz and Jake Skurdal, who are being recognized as “Angels in Adoption” as well, joined in the presentation of the “Angels in Adoption” pin and certificate to Melissa King.
