Since 2001, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) has worked to bring Members of Congress and policymakers face to face with the reality of millions of children, here in the United States and around the world, who are living without the love and protection of a permanent family, and to help eliminate the barriers that keep children from realizing their right to a forever family.

Partnering with over 140 Members of the congressional adoption caucus, CCAI serves as a resource for Members of Congress and their staff, providing information, resources, and opportunities to directly engage with the children, youth, families, and professionals who are on the frontlines of child welfare and adoption policy. CCAI works across partisan lines, bringing together Republicans and Democrats who are committed to the shared goal of ensuring all children know the love and support of a family.

As a small nonprofit organization, CCAI has an incredible platform to work with some of the world’s most powerful leaders on behalf of vulnerable children.

Last year, we experienced the devastating loss of our vibrant, passionate Executive Director, Becky Weichhand, whose love of vulnerable children and dedication to the work of elevating their voice in Congress knew no bounds. We are committed to carrying on the mission and legacy that Becky advanced during her decade at CCAI.

But we truly cannot do it without the support of individuals like you.

With your support, CCAI can continue to carry our core programs:

The Foster Youth Internship Program® – placing current and former foster youth in the offices of Members of Congress, where they provide policy insights and recommendations based on their own lived experience in foster care
The Angels in Adoption® Program – celebrating the amazing work of hundreds of individuals throughout the country working on behalf of children in need of permanent families, and bringing them to Washington, D.C. to share their stories, needs, and experiences with Members of Congress
The Congressional Resource Program – providing resources, briefings, and opportunities to Members of Congress and staff to hear from experts on child welfare and adoption policy
The 20/20 Vision Program – coordinating domestic and international delegations of Members of Congress and staff, to bring them face to face with other policymakers, government leaders, and children who are in foster care or orphanages

Your support of CCAI’s first annual 5K will help enable us to continue raising the voices of children in need of families.

From the bottom of our hearts – thank you for being one of our champions! We look forward to seeing you on race day!

CCAI's 1st Annual 5K Race in honor of Becky Weichhand

#ccai5k

Shajena Cartagena

CCAI's 1st Annual 5K Race in honor of Becky Weichhand -

CCAI's 1st Annual 5K Race in honor of Becky Weichhand

Shajena Cartagena

CCAI's 1st Annual 5K Race in honor of Becky Weichhand -

Shajena Cartagena's Page