2001 Angel in Adoption Awardees - Pound Pup Legacy

Bonnie and Bernie have totally dedicated their lives to nurturing and helping these children to reach their fullpotential. As a result, these children have been able to overcome there past circumstances and achieve their goals.All these children are honor roll students.To encourage Kenny, Bonnie read 5-6 books per day to him. As a first grader, he performs several grade levelsabove his class in both math and reading. Mariah is quite the creator. Last summer she made people from zucchini,moss, leaves, acorns, and other natural materials she found in the woods. She won first place in the Science Fair atschool. Nicole is the singer of the family. Nicole was being teased at school and on the bus because she was the onlybiracial student at the school. Bonnie was looking for a talent where Nicole could shine to counteract the teasing.Discovering that Nicole could sing was like a dream come true. She now sings the Star Spangled Banner at theCharleston Alley Cats games and participates in other community performances.To quote the school principal, Ms. Carolyn LeMaster, “I am amazed of the interest, love, patience, and time that Mr.and Mrs. Yonkosky have invested in these children. I believe that these children are treasures to this family, and Ihave been fortunate to have these children in my life.WisconsinJudge Michael DwyerRep. Tom BarrettReason for selection: Judge Dwyer, along with other Milwaukee County Children’s Court Judges, has led apartnership intended to better coordinate the activities of the Milwaukee-area organizations and agencies servingchildren in foster homes. This inter-agency partnership includes the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office,the guardian’s ad litem, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services.Judge Dwyer’s team has worked together to identify obstacles and develop solutions that have helped our communitymove more kids from foster homes to adoptive homes. Among the effective and innovative ideas developed throughthis partnership are: a “One Judge, One Family” approach, that keeps the same judge involved in a given child’s casewhile moving through the foster care system. A mediation program that helps to build consensus between familiesand child welfare agencies on issues related to permanency for kids in foster care. A review of proposed “openadoption” bills that could encourage more adoptions throughout Wisconsin.Karen SlaneySen. Herb KohlReason for selection: Karen Slaney works for the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family ServicesDivision of Children and Family Services. She is a source of information for families who are planning to adoptchildren, as well as an aid to those who are in the process of adopting their children. She works hard to ensure thatthe families meet the requirements in order to provide the proper financial, mental, and emotional support for thechild they wish to adopt.WyomingBill and Regena FieldSen. Michael B. EnziReason for selection: The Field family has established a loving home for two adoptive children, while helping tofacilitate and finance several international adoptions for other families throughout the state of Wyoming. RegenaField is in the process of establishing a child advocacy committee to assist in finding permanent adoptive homes forhard to place foster children. The Fields efforts to increase awareness about adoption opportunities have greatlybenefited both the city of Jackson, and the state of Wyoming as a whole.