Washington, DC - Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced a special honor for a South Jersey family committed to changing the lives of local children.

Dorothy and Charles Beck of Sicklerville were recognized with the Angels in Adoption award, after Rep. Norcross nominated them for the distinction this summer.

The Beck’s are the proud parents of ten adopted children, seven of whom have special needs (one of their adopted daughters died in April).

“When I learned of the selfless actions of the Beck’s I knew I had to do something to recognize them. No one deserves this distinction as much as they do,” said Rep. Norcross.

The Beck’s were inspired to “grow” their family with a vision that Dorothy Beck had while a child, herself.  After the death of a sister who had special needs, Dorothy Beck was determined to have a large family with sons and daughters from all walks of life and nationalities.

After marrying Charles and having two children of their own, their 25-plus year mission began in 1990.

Among the additions to their still growing family, a son who’s still in leg braces after being paralyzed by abuse. A daughter given up by her birth mother, and a daughter who spent time in eight different foster homes before finding a “forever home” with the Beck’s.

While foster care has classified these children as “hard to place” because of their disabilities, it was an easy decision for the Beck’s, who opened their hearts and their home to these kids. In fact, Mrs. Beck is quick to ask adoption agencies to place special needs children at the top of their request list, since finding homes for them can be so challenging.

“It’s more joy than anything else. People think we’re giving the kids a blessing. Actually, we get the blessings by adopting them,” said Dorothy Beck.

Mrs. Beck also shared an anecdote about one of her adopted sons, Raymond, who’s paralyzed from the waist down and who’d lived in multiple foster homes before they adopted him. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, Raymond said “I don’t need anything. I only wanted a mommy.”

“The Beck’s aren’t just ‘Angels,’ they’re true heroes. And I applaud them for all they’ve done for these children,” added Rep. Norcross.

Through the years, the Beck’s have endured challenges, including added financial expenses to pay for the medical needs of their children, home remodeling to accommodate the special needs of their kids, and the glares of those who are less accepting.

But, that hasn’t deterred them. They’re currently in the process of adopting another child. It will be their thirteenth! Another child who will have the good fortune to use the last name Beck.