The changes that come with fall make us take notice.

Natural State foliage turns from bright green to marigold and crimson while students break out warm coats amid crisp, cool mornings. As the calendar shifts, communities gear up for festive traditions and families look forward to connecting and comfort food for the holiday season. 

One constant, however, is our state’s generous spirit. Few embody this better than the hundreds of exceptional adoption and foster families who have opened their hearts and homes to welcome children in need of a loving, chosen family.

Each November, our country recognizes National Adoption Month as an opportune time to increase awareness of children in foster care, the process of adoption and the organizations and families that change lives for the better.

There are nearly 5,000 Arkansas kids in foster care. Fortunately, due to the relentless efforts of exceptional advocacy groups and dedicated families, this number continues to decrease.

As a proud member of the bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I am pleased to work with my House and Senate colleagues to bolster efforts encouraging adoption and ensuring parents and adoptive families have the resources and guidance that lead to successful adoptions. 

Every child deserves a loving family and home, and this particular coalition has made strides by sharing the many heartwarming and life-changing stories surrounding adoption, addressing common misconceptions and ultimately shedding light on kids hoping to find their permanent homes and new families full of loved ones.

One such story is that of Bentonville’s Lisa Stockdale, who is being honored as the 2025 Angels in Adoption honoree. Her selfless service, compassion and commitment to tireless advocacy have impacted the lives of many – including the 37 children she has welcomed into her own home. My office was proud to celebrate Lisa’s work to cultivate stable, safe and loving environments by highlighting her efforts in the Congressional Record presented to her by my staff in Arkansas.

Lisa’s recognition is just one shining representation of our state’s distinguished efforts. We are truly blessed to have Arkansans willing to share not only their homes, but their love and acceptance for young people searching for a brighter future.

Now that the government has reopened after the unnecessary, harmful shutdown, my colleagues and I can return to normal legislative activity including supporting a resolution designating November 22 as National Adoption Day. This observance celebrates the thousands of children who have transitioned from foster care to permanent families across the country and encourages continued advocacy and action.

Working together, we can help connect more children to their forever homes.

During this season dedicated to giving thanks, let us be sure to express sincere appreciation for those opening their hearts to children in need of parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins and everyone in between. Arkansas’s spirit of generosity and empathy is stronger than ever and will only continue to inspire progress to come as changing seasons change lives.