Hometown Heroes Win National “Angels in Adoption” Award

Couple Integrates Culture and Academic Excellence in the Lives of Their Children

Grand Rapids, Mich. – Hometown heroes William and Shannon Parsons were honored with the Angels in Adoption Award by Representative Justin Amash and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. Since 2007, the couple have provided care for 11 special needs children and adopted 5 of these children. They were honored at a reception in Washington D.C. on October 5th and will have a local reception at D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s on November 7th.

William and Shannon Parsons have been foster and adoptive parents for D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s for four years. The Parsons have provided a home, support and most importantly love, to 11 special needs children. Throughout that time they have integrated the cultural differences of each child they bring into their home. One example is the birthday of their 15 year old Hispanic daughter. The Parsons organized a Quinceanera for their daughter and brought together family and friends to celebrate this milestone in their daughter’s life and heritage. D.A. Blodgett – St. John’ s Executive Director Sharon Loughridge says of the couple, "The Parsons represent so many of our wonderful adoptive parents who open their homes and loving arms to children who come to them from prior abusive and neglectful homes. Shannon and William truly are angels helping these little ones heal."

The Parsons were honored at a special reception in Washington D.C. and will have a local reception at D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s on November 7th at 10:00am. Congressman Justin Amash, who met with the couple in D.C. says, “Congratulations to William and Shannon Parsons for receiving this award. The Parsons' compassionate care for special needs children is an inspiration to all of us. We are blessed in West Michigan to have such a strong foster care community." William and Shannon have dedicated their lives to the success of their children and D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s is proud to invite the community to honor this incredible couple.

D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s is a 124-year-old accredited agency that works in partnership with the community providing comprehensive services to children and families, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, foster care, adoption, and family support, as well as, residential treatment and emergency shelter care at St. John’s Home.

For more information or to schedule an interview with a representative of D.A. Blodgett- St. John’s, please contact Maria Filice at 616.361.5227