Sen. Grassley Presents Congressional Adoption Award to Northeast Iowa’s My G.E.A.R. Outreach

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, presented My G.E.A.R. Outreach with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) “Angels in Adoption” award.  

 My G.E.A.R. Outreach provides children with welcome boxes and overnight bags to help them transition as they enter foster care. The program serves Iowa youth in Fayette, Winneshiek, Howard, Buchanan, Delaware, Allamakee, Clayton, Clinton, Jackson, Scott, and Dubuque counties. 

Grassley said, “Every child deserves a welcoming and loving home. That’s why I appreciate My G.E.A.R. Outreach’s work to provide foster youth some sense of comfort and certainty as they face a tough transition. My G.E.A.R. Outreach’s generosity should inspire us all, as they work to improve conditions for foster youth across Iowa and Illinois.” 

The Angels in Adoption Program annually recognizes outstanding groups and individuals for their contributions to adoption, foster care and child welfare. CCAI invites “Angel” honorees to Washington to celebrate their efforts, participate in advocacy training and share their experiences with congressional representatives. 

Grassley was named a member of the Advisory Council of the CCAI in 2015 and is a longtime advocate for adoptive and foster parents and children.  

***PIC: Founder Liz Estilow accepts the Angels in Adoption award from Senator Grassley.