[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 46 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KATE McLEAN

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                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 1998

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to a 
woman who has made her mission in life to help our society's most 
vulnerable find some sort of warmth in a world that can often be so 
cold. Kate McLean of Ventura, California, is an extraordinary person 
who has touched the lives of thousands, leading the charge of a 
successful organization which has been the saving grace to many in her 
community.
  It's easy to look into the eyes of those in need, and feel sympathy. 
But for many, it's even easier to look away and forget about the 
unexpected harsh realities life brings. But when Kate McLean saw a 
person in need, a living tragedy, she didn't look away, but instead 
helped them look towards their future. Kate did more than recognize the 
social ills that so often ruin lives. Instead of extending fleeting 
sympathy, Kate McLean actually made a difference--a difference in the 
lives of the abandoned and the abused. She has helped the homeless find 
shelter and runaways find refuge and understanding.
  Kate has achieved these and countless other compassionate deed 
through an organization called Interface Children Family Services, a 
non-profit which she co-founded. To name just a few of their services, 
this organization offers assistance to families in crises, a 24-hour 
hotline for troubled teens, and shelters for battered women and their 
children. Under Kate McLean, hundreds of thousands of children and 
families have been helped at Interface from 1973 to 1990. Today, 
Interface Children Family Services continues to aid those in crisis 
situations, expanding on the foundation Kate McLean helped to start.
  After Kate left Interface in 1990, she took her vast experiences to 
help the Ventura County Community Foundation, which under her 
supervision, increased Ventura County's endowed resources for charities 
from $300,000 to more than $16 million.
  April 24, 1998 marks the 25th anniversary of the Interface Children 
Family Services. On this special occasion I want to recognize Kate 
McLean as a shining example, and to thank her for doing what others may 
have the yearning to do, but not the ambition. I want to thank Kate 
McLean for being such a vital part to the Ventura County Community, and 
for being our angel of hope.

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