Madison County Journal
Mississippi foster care advocates recognized as 2026 Angels in Adoption
By Staff Reports
Ridgeland's Thomas Dent has been named a 2026 Angels in Adoption Honoree by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.
U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith nominated him.
“Thomas has put his heart into serving Mississippi’s children and helping them find the love of a forever family,” Hyde-Smith said in a statement. “His compassion and commitment are a blessing to so many across our state, and I am proud to celebrate him and this well-deserved honor.”
The recognition honors years of foster parent service and dedicated advocacy for underprivileged children.
“He has been an advocate for children and families involved with the child welfare system for ten years, his passion for improving their experiences led to a career change and five years working for Child Protection Services in a variety of roles, including as Foster Parent Liaison,” His wife, Christina Dent, said. “He continues to volunteer his time with The Resource Center at his home church of Trace Ridge Church in Ridgeland, helping people in the community as well as people involved in the child welfare system meet basic needs.”
Nominees received the honor at Sen. Hyde-Smith's office in Washington, D.C., in late September. Dent received the honor with his wife and two of his children.
“I’ve had the privilege of a front row seat to see how much of his heart he has poured into his work, how much sacrifice,” Christina Dent said. “He deserves this, and what a treat that most of the fam could come along to cheer him on as he received the award.”
Dent worked in the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services as the Director of Faith-Based and Volunteer Services and as Foster Parent Liaison. He is also an adoptive father and a former foster parent. Dent's commitment to supporting others is driven by his deeply rooted Christian faith.
Sen. Roger Wicker also had nominees honored. His office nominated Sara and Nic Pendleton of Biloxi.
“Sara, Nic, and Thomas represent the best of Mississippi. They have selflessly devoted their lives to providing loving and nurturing environments for children in need of a home. These honorees have unquestionably changed many lives for the better. It is the least we can do to recognize them for this outstanding work,” said Senator Wicker.
The Pendletons have opened their homes to more than 25 Mississippi children in foster care. The Pendletons have oriented their home to children with health challenges, providing these children with outstanding medical care and emotional stability. The couple has raised one biological child and adopted five more. Outside of their parental work, the Pendletons are also fierce advocates for the needs of fellow caregivers and of children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with special needs.
“If you’re interested in learning about fostering medically fragile children, Nick and Sara have 15 years of experience and are so passionate about children growing up in families, not hospitals,” Christina Dent said of her friends.
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, which sponsors the “Angels in Adoption” program, is a nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides.