WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) welcomed Jonathan and Michaela Stanton, of Fisherville, Kentucky along with their children Ty, Caleb, and Sara to the U.S. Capitol to congratulate them on being recognized as 2018 Angels in Adoption. The Stantons were recommended for the honor by Senator McConnell.
Jonathan and Michaela Stanton adopted their daughter, Sara, from Ethiopia. Although matched with Sara in 2016, the Stantons encountered numerous challenges and obstacles throughout their adoption process. When the Ethiopian government imposed an indefinite suspension of adoptions, Senator McConnell stepped in to help. McConnell, along with other Members of Congress, contacted Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United States and the Ethiopian Prime Minister on the Stantons’ behalf. After working with Senator McConnell and the U.S. State Department, the Stantons were finally able to bring Sara to Kentucky as the newest member of their family in November 2017.
“It was a real pleasure to welcome the Stanton family to the U.S Capitol and to personally congratulate them on becoming Angels in Adoption,” said Senator McConnell. “Working on behalf of Kentucky families is one of my greatest privileges as a Senator, and I was happy to help when asked. The commitment Jonathan and Michaela have shown for adoption and the love for their children is inspirational to all who hear their story. I was proud to help them grow their family, and I am glad they are being recognized.”
“It was a pleasure to visit Senator McConnell in our nation’s capital and an honor to be named Angels in Adoption,” said Jonathan and Michaela Stanton. “We appreciated the opportunity to get to meet other adoptive families and advocates during this visit, and we thank Senator McConnell for his work on behalf of Kentucky adoptive families, including his willingness to help us with our challenging adoption process.”
Angels in Adoption is a public awareness campaign by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Each year, Members of Congress can nominate constituents who are helping to improve the lives of children in need of families.
For Kentucky families who may also need assistance with international adoption, please contact the Senator’s office in Louisville at (502) 582-6304 or online: https://sen.gov/R4W4
Release from Senator McConnell
