Congressman Tim Huelskamp has selected Roberta Molstad from Hays and Robert and Joy Phillips from Garden City as 2013 Angels in AdoptionTM heroes for

their outstanding advocacy of adoption and foster care issues. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which orchestrates the Angels in Adoption™ program, will honor these Kansans along with more than 140 Angels, during a gala Wednesday night in Washington.

Roberta has worked as a case manager for people with developmental disabilities, has succeeded to become a licensed professional counselor and most importantly to her, an adoptive parent. Roberta started her journey in becoming a licensed foster parent in 2007. Since then, she has provided a loving, caring, fun and secure home for several children.

Robert and Joy Phillips never could have imagined the road their life would take or just how unexpectedly their dreams would be answered. The quiet, country couple was busy raising two teenagers when they decided to explore foster care nearly 16 years ago. In all, the couple has adopted six kids: Noah, 11, Hope, 10, Peace, 8, Christian, 8, Faith, 5, and Micah, 3.

“As the father of four adopted children, I truly understand the joy these honorees feel. They are making an amazing difference in the lives of these children and we salute them for their work and dedication,” said Rep. Huelskamp.

The Angels in Adoption™ program was established in 1999 as a Congressional press conference to honor outstanding individuals. Since then, the program has developed into a yearlong public awareness campaign culminating in an extraordinary award Gala and celebration in Washington, D.C.