[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO CHRISTY REYNOLDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARON P. HILL

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2001

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, one of the reasons southern Indiana is such a 
great place to live is because our citizens and organizations 
generously contribute their time and their money to help their 
neighbors and their communities.
  There are times, however, when a Hoosier shows a commitment to better 
his or her community that is above and beyond the outstanding work that 
is done every day. One of these Hoosiers is Ms. Christy Reynolds, of 
Jeffersonville, Indiana. She recently donated $25,000 to Haven House 
Services, a non-profit organization that provides shelter, support, and 
services to people in need in Clark, Floyd, and Harrison Counties.
  While making a contribution of $25,000 to any charitable program or 
organization is an act of great generosity, Christy's donation is even 
more remarkable. She was once close to being a resident of Haven House 
herself. A single mother of two daughters, ages 3 and 12, Christy and 
her family have lived in Jeffersonville their entire lives. As a 
teenager, Christy dropped out of high school and struggled with many of 
her parental responsibilities. She found her way to Haven House 
Services, a place that offered her healing, hope, and a chance to learn 
a vocation.
  She overcame some major obstacles and got on the right track. She is 
now employed as a VISTA volunteer at Haven House. She helps organize 
Haven House's spring and summer fundraisers, as well as the annual 
Christmas party Haven House throws for its clients in Clark and Floyd 
counties.
  Recently, Christy's father passed away after a long bout with lung 
cancer and she inherited $75,000. She gave $25,000 of this inheritance 
to Haven House.
  I salute Christy for this wonderful act of charity. As Haven House 
helped Christy get through her own difficult times, Christy is making 
it possible for Haven House to help other people who know the pain of 
being homeless and without hope. Christy has bought a home, left the 
welfare rolls, and in her own words, ``did what was right by giving to 
others. Because when you give, it comes back to you.'' Christy's 
contribution should be a reminder to all of us what generosity and love 
of neighbor really mean.

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