[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING ELSIE COFIELD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 29, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
join with the West Haven Black Coalition as they honor my dear friend, 
Elsie Cofield, with the Distinguished Citizens Award. Elsie, as founder 
of AIDS Interfaith Network, has demonstrated a unique commitment and 
dedication to the comfort and care of those members of our community 
living with AIDS and facing the many challenges of this terrible 
disease.
  An educator for 31 years, Elsie founded AIDS Interfaith Network, an 
organization dedicated to providing care to New Haven residents 
afflicted with HIV and AIDS, after her retirement in 1987. Elsie, 
recognizing the need, focused her attentions on the inner-city. AIDS 
Interfaith Network provides a full circle of assistance with social 
service agencies, support groups, individual counseling, 
transportation, food and clothing--offering both physical and spiritual 
comfort. Elsie's enthusiasm and passion has improved the quality of 
life for many residents of New Haven. Beginning with a few volunteers, 
Elsie built a solid foundation and for eleven years has assisted 
hundreds of families as they face both life and death simultaneously.
  What began as a small, volunteer-staffed program in a small church 
basement has flourished into a national working model for church-based 
AIDS programs. Under Elsie's strong leadership and endless faith, AIDS 
Interfaith Network has grown to hold nine full-time and six part-time 
employees. ``Putting a face to people with AIDS'' has been her enduring 
philosophy and it is this personal approach that has made this program 
so successful. It is rare to find an individual that demonstrates the 
personal touch the way Elsie has--every man, woman and child she sees 
is special to her. She has traveled to hospitals at midnight to hold a 
hand, attended the funerals of clients she has served, and written 
commemorative poems memorializing those she has known best.
  A myriad of awards and citations adorn her walls--testimony to her 
undaunted spirit and inspirational dedication. Devoting their attention 
to predominantly minority families and neighborhoods, AIDS Interfaith 
Network has caught the attention of local, state, and national 
organizations. Honors from the Yale Divinity School, State of 
Connecticut, the National Organization for Women, and an invitation to 
join President Clinton at his announcement for programs aimed at 
stemming the spread of AIDS in minority communities all speak to her 
success. Elsie's commitment to her work is well-known throughout the 
community and was further affirmed as former New Haven Mayor John 
Daniels declared October 11, 1990 Elsie Cofield Day.
  It is with sincere thanks and appreciation that I stand today and 
honor Elsie Cofield for her outstanding and invaluable service to our 
community. She has made a difference in so many lives and has truly 
distinguished herself as a community member and citizen.

                          ____________________