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November is National Adoption Month. Adoption is a truly selfless decision and a meaningful way to grow a family.
Each year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute selects individuals, families, or organizations across the country who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes.
This year, Marcus and Jackie Isakson of Hill City were selected as South Dakota’s Angels in Adoption honorees. Marcus and Jackie have a big heart for fostering and adoption, which is evident through their story.
Marcus and Jackie had four biological children but had always desired to pursue fostering and adoption. After having kids of their own, they decided to begin the process. Over the years, they have fostered countless children and recently fostered four siblings. When the children’s biological mother passed away, the Isaksons decided to pursue adoption of these four children.
On February 7, 2025, the Isakson family went from a family of six to a family of ten. This jump hasn’t deterred the family’s desire to continue fostering children. The Isaksons continue to take in emergency foster cases and currently have two foster children living in their home.
I had the privilege of meeting Marcus and Jackie this summer to honor them and thank them for their dedication to helping children in need find a loving home. I enjoyed talking with them and hearing their thoughts on how to improve our foster care system.
As the Thanksgiving season quickly approaches, it is a good time to be thankful for those in our communities who help others in need. I’m grateful to the Isaksons, and many other South Dakota families who foster or adopt, and for their commitment to make our families and our communities stronger.
Johnson with Isakson family