[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 59 (Thursday, May 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      HONORING ANNA M.H. VERHESEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2001

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize an outstanding 
woman of my district, Anna M.H. Verhesen. Ann was awarded the Key to 
the Golden Door Award by Toledo's International Institute on March 31, 
2001. This award is given to a naturalized citizen who has made a 
significant contribution to the betterment of people. I join with 
people from throughout my community in congratulating Ann on her 
receipt of this award.
  A dedicated and tireless advocate for the poor, unrecognized, and 
underserved, Ann's passion was grown in her while a very young child as 
she and her family protected many people fleeing Nazi persecution in 
Holland. Born to Hendrikus and Henrika (Kluesssjen) Verhesen in 1932, 
Ann began her career in service while still in the Netherlands and 
employed as a child care and social worker until emigrating to Canada 
with her family in 1959. While in Canada, Ann took her vows as a Grey 
Nun. In 1968, she came to the United States, serving in child care at 
the St. Lawrence Home in Massachusetts. A 1970 fire burned her very 
badly, and that accident brought her to Toledo, to the St. Vincent 
Hospital Burn Unit for healing. After her release, she was a counselor 
for substance abuse and mental health patients, and she created the 
Tennyson Center, the hospital's substance abuse detoxification and 
treatment unit. She subsequently returned to Massachusetts continuing 
her social work, and serving as vocation director for the Grey Nuns 
until 1979. She returned to St. Vincent's in 1981 and was the 
coordinator of community services for the next decade. During her 
tenure she established the Open Door, a men's half-way house for 
alcoholics and its counterpart for women, Harbor House, and David's 
House for people with AIDS. She became a vocal advocate for the 
homeless among us. Even while actively engaged in this work Ann pursued 
her studies, receiving her undergraduate degree in 1981 and her 
Master's in 1992. She left the Grey Nuns in the latter 1990s and now 
counsels in private practice. She was sworn in as a United States 
citizen in 1994.
  Even before Pope Paul VI voiced, ``If you want peace, work for 
justice'' Ann Verhesen lived this creed. The International Institute 
perfectly explains her avocation in awarding the honor, ``A model of 
gentle yet persistent advocacy for the outcast, Ann has reached out to 
those whom society has no time or interest in assisting. She has 
challenged hospitals to address their services to those who are 
addicted, while simultaneously challenging those who are addicted to 
change their lives. Ann is often the silent force behind change.'' This 
is a truly fitting tribute to a most remarkable yet humblest of women.

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