Julie Hoffman has served as the administrator of Adoption Services for 10 years, and has in that time worked for recognition for families of adoption. Now, Julie and her husband, Jeff Hoffman, are being recognized for their role in adoptions.

"I feel like we are in the company of some really special folks," she said.

The Hoffmans of Bismarck have affected adoption not only through their own adoption of their son, Trent, but also through fostering children and her work in adoptive services.

They have provided inspiration and kindness to the children and families going through the adoption process. It is because of these credentials that the Hoffmans are being nominated by Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Kent Conrad for the Angels in Adoption program.

"I see so many families that are doing amazing things," Julie Hoffman said. "I am in awe of those families. I really appreciate those families that have really stepped up."

The Angels in Adoption program allows all members of Congress to nominate a family that has had a significant influence on adoption in the state. Each nominee is then honored at an annual gala in Washington, D.C. Rep. Earl Pomeroy has selected Dana and Jason Mitzel of West Fargo for his nomination. Along with each state's nominees, there also are national Angels in Adoption.

"I just think it is important to recognize that adoption affects everyone," Julie said.

From her experience she has noticed that either some one has adopted, been adopted, given a child up for adoption or knows someone that has been affected by the power of adoption.

The Hoffmans see this nomination as an extremely humbling honor, and a big surprise as well. The senators usually ask Julie Hoffman for names of people who she sees as deserving of the award, so when they called her and informed her of the nomination, surprise was inevitable.

"It was quite a surprise," she said. "We were really honored."

(Kay Kemmet can be reached at 250-8260 or kay.kemmet@bismarcktribune.com.)