NEW: Patrice Wood Receives National Honor for Adoption Work
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Everyone knew Patrice Wood was an angel, but now it's official. Wood is being named the Representative James Langevin's 2011 Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's (CCAI) Angel in Adoption™.
WJAR's news anchor and reporter will be nationally recognized in Washington, D.C. for her work in finding adoptive homes for children in Southern New England. Wood, who has been at WJAR since 1980, has been dedicated to producing a segment called Tuesday’s Child for the past 11 years. Beginning with her first episode in September 2000, she has invested herself in the media recruitment of permanent adoptive families. Over 220 children have been highlighted on Tuesday’s Child, with about two-thirds being matched with permanent, loving families.
An adoptive mother herself, Patrice has brought the public’s attention to the increasing need for siblings to find homes where they can live together. There have been 27 different sets of siblings featured on Tuesday’s Child, including five sets of three siblings, all of whom have since been adopted. Some of the 380 episodes Patrice has produced have featured families that have adopted.
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"I've met some resilient boys and girls over the years who courageously allowed me to tell their stories on television. I'm just thankful that I could play a small role in inspiring people to open their hearts and homes to them." Wood said. "We had such talented photojournalists on the team, especially Albert Gamble, who really captured how adoption is a wonderful way to build a family. And my family and I know from personal experience." NBC 10 plans to continue the partnership with Adoption Rhode Island, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding families for children in foster care with the goal of a forever family for each Rhode Island child that needs one.
“Being selected as an Angel in Adoption™ and honored by a Member of Congress is a very high honor,” said Chris Lanni, NBC 10 News Director. “We are proud of Patrice and the work she does for children and the station is committed to Tuesday’s Child and the great work of Adoption Rhode Island.”
