Jena Martin, our Director of Special Populations, and her husband Brad were recommended by Senator Tim Scott and have been chosen as a 2020 Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) Angels in Adoption® Honoree!

Brad and Jena started their adoption journey as foster parents through the Bair Foundation. They were placed with two brothers. At the time of the adoption of these boys, both were behind in many areas compared to their peers.  One of the boys is completely deaf in one ear, has some vision limitations and attends speech therapy. At the time of their adoption, Jena said on her blog, “I am not a believer in coincidences and know without a doubt God orchestrated the two-year paperwork wait and 24-hour placement after we were licensed to have these two brothers walk into our home on March 4, 2014.

After a lengthy process, the Martins legally adopted both boys. Soon after, they fostered another child for a brief time and he was eventually returned to his biological parents. Later, the Martins adopted another brother and sister pair. In addition to providing a loving and safe home for their four children, Brad and Jena also work outside of the home.  Brad is a chemical engineer and business owner and Jena works as the Director of Special Operations for Family Connection of South Carolina. She has previously worked with pediatric palliative and hospice care and has also worked to find stable housing for survivors of domestic violence. The Martins are dedicated to improving the lives of those in need.

The CCAI Angels in Adoption Program is designed to celebrate families and organizations from across the nation who have made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of families. The Martins join an impressive list of recipients. This year’s honorees will be honored at a virtual gala on September 30^th!

Learn more about the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) Angels in Adoption program.