[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO PAMELA SACKETT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to a great woman and a selfless advocator of children's 
welfare, Pamela Sackett, who has served as the executive director of 
the Task Force for Child Protection since 1985. Pamela Sackett will be 
recognized for her many accomplishments at a retirement dinner on 
Tuesday, August 12, 1997, in Poughkeepsie, NY, of my congressional 
district.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Sackett received her education in New York State 
first at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, and later at Fordham 
University located in the Bronx, NY. Soon after her graduation from 
Fordham University where she received her masters of social work, 
Pamela began working as the coordinator of community services for the 
Task Force for Child Protection. Holding this post from 1981 to 1984, 
Pamela developed her skills as a social worker and a community leader. 
Indeed, Pamela recognized the truth in the old cliche that our children 
are our future. Throughout her career Ms. Sackett has worked with the 
one noble goal of helping others. Prior to her tenure as executive 
director, Pamela continually took on ever more duties. She was simply 
glad to do her part for our Nation's youth. Among her varied 
responsibilities during these years she gave of her time as a crisis 
counselor, a board member, and a supervising social worker. While many 
would be satisfied with this list of accolades Ms. Sackett continued to 
give of herself.
  Mr. Speaker, her unflagging efforts for the welfare of children is 
what makes Pamela Sackett so special to those she has helped over the 
years. While the task force was under her supervision many programs 
were developed with the one aim of children's welfare. In 1987 the task 
force began the KIDS program which supervised visits for families 
involved in family court. Among her other achievements, too numerous to 
list here, the task force opened the first child advocacy center in New 
York State. That's why I have always admired people like Pamela Sackett 
who offer their services to those in need, especially to those that 
society tends to forget. This type of service does not involve much 
wealth or acclaim. But it often helps those forgotten children.
  Actions like these are what make Pamela an asset to the Salt Point 
community of upstate New York, where she now resides. We would do well 
to emulate her brand of caring service for children. On that note, Mr. 
Speaker, I ask that you and all Members of the House rise and join me 
in this tribute to Pamela Sackett.

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