Angels in - Pound Pup Legacy

Illinois
Adoption Information Center
of Illinois
Representative John Shimkus
Adoption Information Center of Illinois, AICI, has
served for many years as a crucial link for the many
children and families in need of adoption services.
As a result of their efforts to help children become
part of adoptive families, AICI is regarded as a
leader in the adoption community. They serve as a
prime example of how the public and private
sectors can work together for the benefit of
children in need. Their extraordinary efforts in that
regard are complimented by the dedicated and
caring employees at the Illinois Department of
Children and Family Services. Together, they are
making a difference that will last for generations to
come. I am grateful for the opportunity to select
and recognize the Adoption Information Center of
Illinois as an Angel in Adoption .
Dan and Lynn Dempsey
Representative Judy Biggert
Since 1997, Dan and Lynn Dempsey have created a
loving family through foster care and adoption.
Their journey began as licensed foster parents with
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois. The
Dempseys have adopted three children, including
two siblings, and currently are caring for two foster
children. Their story was featured in the Lutheran
Child and Family Services of Illinois’ 2002 Annual
Report. Earlier this year, Dan and Lynn Dempsey
showed their extraordinary resolve when one of
their foster children, a 20-month-old boy, was
abducted by his birth mother and found by police in
Colorado two weeks later. During this difficult time,
the Dempseys were instrumental in the search for
the child. They worked closely with law
enforcement authorities and the press to see that
he was returned to his routine environment as
quickly as possible. I am pleased to select Dan and
Lynn Dempsey as 2003 Angel in Adoption award
recipients.
Ben and Sherna Jennings
Representative Jerry Costello
After raising their four biological children, three
daughters and a son, Ben and Sherna Jennings,
both in their 60s, decided to become foster parents.
The Jennings understand the hardships children in
foster care encounter and are committed to
providing for every child entering their home. They
have since adopted six boys who range in age from
nine to sixteen. Before finding permanency with the
Jennings, these boys had experienced eight foster
homes and a group home. It was easy to see why
Mrs. Jennings vowed they would not be moved
again. The Jennings are stable, caring, and
responsible parents who have demonstrated a
sincere desire and commitment to provide
permanency and love for all of their children. They
treat each child as an individual and make every
effort to help them reach their potential.
Sherri Nestmann
Representative Dennis Hastert
Sherri Nestmann has touched the lives of children
on a daily basis. As supervisor of the Catholic
Charities adoption program, she is directly involved
with every aspect of adoption-from birth to legal
finalization; from the selection process to postadoption
services. Her expertise is grounded in 17
years of experience in the adoption field. She played
a vital role in transforming the Adoption Program
from a closed program to a more open process and
environment for the children. As supervisor of the
Adoption Program, she has been responsible for
placing over 224 children in adoptive homes.
Another 60 adoptions were completed through
their internal, international and private program.
Mrs. Nestmann is a dedicated professional with
integrity and the ability to deal with the many
complex issues that surround child welfare and
adoption. Her dedication and hard work has made
a difference that many of us can only dream about.
Mrs. Nestmann is truly an example of how one
person can touch the lives of so many.
Cyndie Norton
Representative Donald Manzullo
Cyndie has been dedicated to the service of children
throughout the world for more than 11 years. As
Regional Supervisor for Lifelink International
Adoption Service based in Bensenville, Illinois, she
passionately believes that every child deserves a
loving, stable home. Lifelink is a nonprofit, faith
based, organization, with offices in Illinois, Florida,
Iowa, and Wisconsin. Lifelink has facilitated
international and domestic adoptions and placed
children from China, Ukraine, South Korea, Russia,
Thailand, India, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, Guatemala
and the Philippines. Cyndie, a licensed clinical social
worker, oversees the offices in Rockford, Madison,
Milwaukee, and Appleton, Wisconsin. Her effort in
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