Washington, DC – Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) last week recognized Debbie Velie of Tupelo as a 2011 “Angels in Adoption” award winner for her advocacy of adoption issues.

“Debbie became an adoptive parent some years ago, opening her home to two children from Korea,” said Wicker.  “As a licensed social worker who received her training at the University of Mississippi, she has helped other families going through the adoption process.  Debbie continues to make a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds children by serving as an adoption counselor, trainer, and advocate in Tupelo.”

Currently, Debbie is the Domestic Program Director of New Beginnings International Children’s & Family Services, Inc., an adoption agency located in Tupelo, where she has provided guidance and support to adoptive couples and birthmothers since 1992.  Since 2003, Debbie also has served as a Master Trainer for Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program for the National Council for Adoption, a national, nonprofit advocacy and information group.

“It was a tremendous honor to receive this award,” said Debbie.  “I believe that every child deserves a forever family, and we are very appreciative for Senator Wicker's support for adoption issues.”

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which sponsors the “Angel in Adoption” program, is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes through adoption. CCAI’s goal is the elimination of the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family.

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