[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 125 (Thursday, September 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF SISTER HARRIET HAMILTON, RECIPIENT OF THE UNITED WAY'S 
              CONGRESSWOMAN MARY T. NORTON MEMORIAL AWARD

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 1999

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sister Harriet 
Hamilton for winning the United Way's Congresswoman Mary T. Norton 
Memorial Award.
  Initiated by the United Way of Hudson County in 1990, this award 
recognizes individuals who exhibit a deep commitment to community 
service as exemplified by Congresswoman Mary T. Norton during her 13 
terms in the House of Representatives (1925-1950). A leader who 
championed thinking outside of the box, Congresswoman Norton advocated 
government action in areas, such as day care, fair employment 
practices, health care for veterans, and the inclusion of women in high 
levels of government service.
  Sister Harriet, a member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and one of 
this year's award recipients, began her career serving Hudson County 
under the auspices of Catholic Community Services, providing counseling 
and support services to pregnant teens and their families. For the last 
12 years, Sister Harriet has dedicated full-time service to the needs 
of multi-handicapped blind children at St. Joseph's School for the 
Blind.
  In addition, Sister Harriet is the executive director of the York 
Street Project in Jersey City, New Jersey. A nonprofit social service 
organization, the York Street Project provides transitional housing, 
education, child care, and counseling to the homeless and economically-
disadvantaged women and children of Hudson County. From the Project's 
planning years in the early 1980's Sister Harriet's commitment, 
leadership, and faith have helped bring about positive change in the 
lives of hundreds of area residents.
  Sister Harriet was also proactive in the establishment of Kenmare 
High School, an alternative school offering a second chance for young 
women forced to drop out of high school, and founded The Nurturing 
Place, an Early Childhood Development Center for homeless and at-risk 
children.
  Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Sister Harriet is a well 
deserving recipient of the United Way's Congresswoman Mary T. Norton 
Memorial Award. For the past 36 years, she has dedicated her life to 
compassionate service for others. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Sister Harriet for all of her outstanding service to the 
community and for carrying on the work of Congresswoman Mary T. Norton.

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