[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 12, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12510-S12511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE CHILDREN'S INN

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
Children's Inn of Sioux Falls, SD, and to pay tribute to two women, 
Connie Kolbrek and Marlene Weires, whose dedicated service

[[Page S12511]]

has enlightened the lives of many South Dakota women and children.
  This fall, the Children's Inn is celebrating its 20th anniversary of 
providing emergency outreach services to women and children in the 
greater Sioux Falls community. When the Children's Inn first opened its 
doors in an unfurnished two-bedroom bungalow, its primary directive was 
to provide emergency shelter for children who are victims of abuse and 
neglect. Staff members realized that an unsafe environment for children 
was also unsafe for adult victims of abuse, and the inn extended its 
outreach to all victims of domestic violence. Shortly thereafter, it 
became apparent that the inn's services were in high demand, and the 
inn moved to larger facilities and expanded its staff. Currently, the 
inn serves as many as 3,000 people annually and employs 39 staffers. 
While the inn continues to function under its founding purpose, it has 
expanded its services to include a crisis phone line, drop-in 
counseling, support groups for women and children, parenting classes, 
and classes for abusers.
  Mr. President, the Children's Inn clearly has filled a significant 
void in the lives of many Sioux Falls women and children, and the 20th 
anniversary is a true milestone. However, none of its success would be 
realized today if it were not for the tireless work of Connie Kolbrek 
and Marlene Weires. Connie served as the first executive director from 
1977 to 1984. Her dedication and commitment to children helped to 
transform the inn from a simple idea on paper to a mainstay in the 
Sioux Falls nonprofit community. Marlene has served as the inn's 
executive director from 1985 until present, and her selfless service 
has produced many of the extension services which are available to the 
public today. Although Marlene is planning her retirement, I am 
confident that she will maintain her peripheral support. The Children's 
Inn and the women and children of Sioux Falls were blessed with her 
many years of service.
  Again, I applaud the Children's Inn on its 20th anniversary, and 
recognize the selfless work of the staff. Mr. President, I yield the 
floor today, knowing that the Children's Inn is a beacon of hope for 
many victims of abuse and neglect.

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