Rep. Mike Kelly Thanks Witnesses for Their Work with Foster Youth

Rep. Kelly's Appreciation for Foster Youth Advocates

• 📌 Rep. Mike Kelly expressed his deep appreciation for the witnesses' dedication to working with foster youth during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing.
• 💡 He acknowledged that the witnesses are taking time out of their lives to share their experiences and work, emphasizing that their efforts are crucial.

Adrien Lewis's Transformative Journey

• 🚀 Adrien Lewis shared his personal story, detailing how a mission trip to Haiti with his wife Cynthia transformed his perspective.
• 💼 After a successful career in business development, Lewis was inspired by his volunteer work with the Global Orphan Project to focus on caring for vulnerable children.
• 💖 He highlighted a profound moment in Haiti where he felt a purpose bigger than himself, leading him to dedicate his life to serving his neighbor, particularly those most in need.

The Role of Faith and Personal Sacrifice

• 🌟 Both Rep. Kelly and Mr. Lewis emphasized the deep abiding faith that drives their work and the work of others in the field.
• 💰 Kelly noted that government funding is insufficient for the immense needs, suggesting that the taxpayer-funded nature of these initiatives must be kept in mind.
• 🤝 Lewis explained that his passion for fostering, adopting, and inspiring others stems from the belief that serving the most vulnerable not only changes their lives but also transforms one's own.

Impact on Vulnerable Youth

• 🎯 The discussion underscored the critical need for support for children who might otherwise feel that nobody cares about them and have little hope for their future.
• 🗣️ Rep. Kelly praised the witnesses for their incredible work and the significant number of lives they have touched, acknowledging the personal sacrifices they have made.

Concluding Thoughts on Gratitude and Service

• 🙏 Rep. Kelly concluded by urging a focus on people rather than politics, emphasizing that faith and service are the true hallmarks of America.
• 🇺🇸 He expressed gratitude for the country's position to help more people and do more good in the world than any other nation in history, especially in the context of Thanksgiving.