09.12.12

Hoeven Honors Devils Lake Woman for Adoption Work

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today recognized Roberta Soper of Devils Lake as an Angels in Adoption awardee who has dedicated her professional and personal life to working on behalf of adoptive children and families. Hoeven selected Soper from a pool of impressive nominees.

“Berta Soper has devoted her life to advocating on behalf of the North Dakota children and families who go through the adoption process. Her unwavering commitment to offering her support and knowledge has endeared her to all of the individuals she has worked with throughout her distinguished career, and she has also shown a similar devotion and passion in her personal life. Her efforts have positively impacted countless North Dakotans, and we are glad to offer Berta our thanks and praise as she receives this deserving national honor,” Hoeven said.

Soper has spent decades working to support and advocate for adoption, and has lent her talents and passion in a number of professional capacities. Most recently, Soper worked as an adoption specialist with Lutheran Social Services and later PATH ND, Inc. In these positions, Soper earned recognition for her creativity and special attention to working with each member of the adoption team, including the judges, families and children involved in the process. She was especially committed to caring for the emotional wellbeing of the youth she worked with, going to great lengths to ensure they were well prepared for each step of the adoption process. Soper previously worked as a PRIDE trainer and local team leader.

Soper’s desire to advocate on behalf of adoptive children and families first began in 1970 when she made an adoption plan for her birth daughter. She and her daughter reunited in 2009 and have since developed an ongoing, supportive relationship. Soper and her husband Ron have also served as foster parents and adopted three daughters. Today, following her 2010 retirement from the social work field, Soper is the proud grandmother of three grandchildren, has started a craft business, serves as a sales associate for Blessings Unlimited and continues her efforts to support and advocate for adoption through volunteer efforts.

The Angels in Adoption program is the signature public awareness campaign of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). It provides an opportunity for all members of Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad.

Soper is among more than 150 local and national “angels” from around the United States. She was nominated by her former colleagues.