President George W. Bush will meet Jerry and Adrienne Welenc when he arrives in Chicago, Illinois, Monday. The Welenc's have been leaders in foster care for more than thirty years. In his State of the Union address, President Bush called on all Americans to dedicate at least two years of their lives—the equivalent of 4,000 hours—in service to their communities, our country and the world. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country who are answering the call to service, and will recognize the Welencs as an example of the dedication to service he is hoping to instill in all Americans through his USA Freedom Corps initiative. In addition, May is National Foster Care Month, an opportunity thank foster parents for their service to children in need.

Over the past 35 years, the Welencs have provided fostered care to more than 90 children. They have adopted 6 children, have 2 birth children, and 12 grandchildren.

The Welencs regularly distribute food to families in the child support system, and each Christmas they work with area social services agencies to provide gifts for area foster children. Most recently, they have worked with a local organization to distribute backpacks stocked with items important for children entering foster care such as supplies for a first day at a new school, a sleep shirt, toys, books, and toiletries.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster an American culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world. Interested volunteers can find information on the USA Freedom Corps at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-Corps.

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