Bette Hoxie
Senator Olympia J. Snowe

Bette Hoxie, of Old Town, Maine is a genuine Angel in Adoption. For 32 years, she has provided love, guidance and commitment to the welfare of foster children in her care, as well as those in homes across the state of Maine. She has adopted eight of the children she fostered. Bette is also Liason Director of Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine (AFFM). AFFM is the primary resource for adoptive and foster families in Maine: providing information and connections to service providers and training. She is respected by Maine government officials and known as the "person to call" for information and support in matters affecting the state's adopted and foster children. Bette has been instrumental in bringing the practice of Kinship Care to Maine. Many agency boards seek her membership. For her commitment to children, Bette has been recognized by her local community with awards and honors. KidsPeace, a national children's charity that serves children in Maine, recently awarded her their "Unsung Hero Award" for her quiet and selfless efforts to improve the lives of Maine's children. Bette Hoxie is exactly the type of person Angels in Adoption celebrates.

Shawn and Rita Yardley
Senator Susan M. Collins

Shawn and Rita Yardley's commitment to their family and community is truly remarkable. At a time when most families are thinking about what they will do with their free time after their children have left home, the Yardley's decided to adopt three children who had been in the foster care system. In January, they graciously welcomed Kiana (8), Kira (6), and Tessa (5) into their home, which already includes their four biological children. While raising seven children, Shawn and Rita have devoted their professional careers to helping others in the community. Shawn is the director of the River Coalition, where he is responsible for developing prevention programs for children in foster care through collaborative efforts with schools, social service agencies, local, state and federal governments and the University of Maine. He has over seventeen years of child welfare management experience within the Maine Department of Human Services, and as a faculty associate in the social work department at the University of Maine. Rita dedicates her time to providing service in the classroom. She has worked for eight years as an educator for special needs students in Bangor School Department. Shawn and Rita are also heavily involved in community-based work. Shawn serves on the boards of numerous organizations throughout the state, including the Adoptive and Foster Families of through collaborative efforts with schools, social service agencies, local, state and federal governments and the University of Maine. He has over seventeen years of child welfare management experience within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and as a faculty associate in the social work department at the University of Maine. Rita dedicates her time to providing service in the classroom. She has worked for eight years as an educator for special needs students in Bangor School Department. Shawn and Rita are also heavily involved in community-based work. Shawn serves on the boards of numerous organizations throughout the state, including the Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine, Catholic Charities of Maine, Maine Mentoring Partnership, United Way of Eastern Maine and Communities for Children Advisory Council. Rita has served as the facilitator for the youth ministry program at St. Mary's Parish in Bangor for the past 10 years. I believe that Shawn and Rita truly exemplify the spirit of this award through the selflessness with which they share their time and energy with family, friends, and their community. It gives me great pleasure to provide such well-deserved recognition to this exceptional couple.