Congress recognizes Arizona nonprofit for foster care work

PHOENIX — An Arizona nonprofit has received national recognition for its work within the state’s foster care system.

Arizona 1.27 was named the 2015 recipient of the congressional Angels in Adoption award. Each year, members of Congress nominate a constituent or organization in their district for their work in foster care and adoption. One winner is then selected to receive the award.

“It is incredible to be honored at that level and, at the same time, it’s more inspiration to keep going when you know that the award doesn’t mean a solution to the problem,” Tyler Johnson, the organization’s co-founder, said. “The problem is as big as it has ever been.”

The organization trains local churches how to recruit and care for members of their congregation involved in foster care and adoption.

There are more than 18,000 children in Arizona’s foster care system. Members of the organization work to cut that number by encouraging families in churches to open their homes.

“We are so grateful that the joint work of the churches is being recognized,” Arizona 1.27 director Danielle Bannister said. “It is a win for our communities, state and, most importantly, our kids. We also acknowledge that there is much we as a state can improve on and we are committed to partnering in that effort.”