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Portland Residents Recognized as “Angels in Adoption”


Eugene, OR – Clay and Shila Henderson of Hillsboro have been recognized as Oregon’s 2017 Angels in Adoption by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici.

The Hendersons began their work with adoption in 1993 through volunteer events with Holt International. In 1996, they adopted their first child from South Korea, and went on to adopt another four children from Korea, China and Vietnam — adding to their biological family of five children. Through the years, they have continued to volunteer at multiple Holt functions to help raise awareness and funds for the orphaned and vulnerable children Holt serves.  Clay currently works as a supply chain director for Lam Research and Shila is a social worker for the Department of Health and Safety with the state of Oregon, helping place children with permanent, loving families through adoption. Clay has served on the Holt Board of Directors for the past eight years, including terms as vice chair and chairman, helping to grow Holt’s reach to serving over 150,000 children every year through family strengthening, orphan care and adoption. Clay and Shila have traveled to China, Korea and Vietnam in support of Holt’s mission, and Shila recently traveled to China to advocate for children with special needs. Her efforts upon returning home resulted in a family adopting one of the children she advocated for. Both Clay and Shila continue to be active advocates for children and families throughout the world.

Each year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute holds a three-day event for Angels in Adoption awardees, followed by a gala in Washington, D.C. This year’s gala will be held September 27 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

About Holt International: 
Holt International seeks a world where every child has a loving and secure home. Since our founding in 1956, we have worked toward our vision through programs that strengthen and preserve families that are at risk of separation; by providing critical care and support to orphaned and vulnerable children; and by leading the global community in finding families for children who need them and providing the pre- and post-adoption support and resources they need to thrive. Always, we focus on each child’s unique needs — keeping the child’s best interest at the forefront of every decision. Visit holtinternational.org to learn more.

Soonkeum Cox | Vice President, Policy & External Affairs
[email protected] or 541-687-2202

 

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