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MESSAGE FROM THE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2015 was, in many ways, the Congressional Plus, you will see how some of CCAI’s Angels in
Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) best Adoption® honorees and Foster Youth Interns are
year yet. CCAI continues to be the bridge giving back in support of our mission on our Board
between dedicated federal policymakers and of Directors and Advisory Council, as well as read
advocates, donors and volunteers that share in about where some of our alumni and friends have
Becky Weichhand
Executive Director, our same vision: that every child in the world landed after participating in our programs.
Congressional Coalition should know the love and support of a family.
on Adoption Institute As 2016 marks CCAI’s 15th year as an organization,
In these pages, you will read about how CCAI is our mission has never been more critical than it is
Becky came to CCAI
in 2009 from the entrusted every single day with bringing voices today. CCAI continues to be the trusted resource
beautiful Great Lakes of experience and expertise on adoption and Capitol Hill depends on. We give voice to children
State of Michigan. In foster care issues to the very active membership and youth in need of permanent, safe and loving
her work as CCAI’s of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption families in the United States and around the world;
Director of Policy
she coordinated (CCA), one of Congress’ premier caucuses. removing barriers in law and policy that hinder
congressional children from this basic right.
delegations to Voices like Emily Satifka’s. A young woman
Los Angeles, CA,
Columbus, OH, the who experienced U.S. foster care, Emily spoke As you turn these pages and reflect with us on
United Kingdom, up about foster care reform in CCAI’s Foster all we accomplished together in 2015, remember
Ethiopia, Guatemala, Youth Internship Program®, which led to the that Emily represents millions of children and
Cambodia, Vietnam, introduction of her policy recommendations to youth around the world who need a family, and
South Korea and Haiti.
Becky also managed Congress as the bipartisan Timely Mental Health Anna represents millions of families with willing
The Way Forward for Foster Youth Act. hearts to care for those waiting children. CCAI
Project, which focused offers them both a seat at the table and a live
policymakers and
funders on the need And voices like Anna Caudill’s. An adoptive microphone so they can give voice to countless
for family care of mother of two children who have faced and others. Congress hears these voices and, like all of
children in six African overcome serious medical challenges, Anna us, is inspired to take action.
nations. After serving
as Interim Executive credits the Angels in Adoption® Program and
Director beginning staying engaged with CCAI for empowering Thank you for partnering with us as we seek
in June 2014, Becky her to advocate on Capitol Hill for adoption to bring the power of family in all its fullness to
was named CCAI’s affordability as well as educational parity for every child.
Executive Director in
December 2014. Becky adoptive children.
has a J.D. from Regent
Law and is a licensed
attorney in Virginia. Becky Weichhand

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