[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 133 (Thursday, September 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF CARMEL GALASSO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2003

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carmel Galasso for 
her outstanding commitment to serving her community. She was presented 
the Mary T. Norton Memorial Award by the United Way of Hudson County on 
September 16, 2003, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Secaucus, New Jersey.
  Ms. Galasso has demonstrated a remarkable passion for helping those 
in need and has provided, and continues to provide, valuable services 
that have touched many lives throughout Hudson County. As a member of 
the Saint Peter's College Alumni Board, she currently works on special 
projects for the college, as well as the community as a whole. Since 
1996, she has served as the program coordinator of Catholic Community 
Services for the Hudson County Parish Access Center in Jersey City.
  Over the years, Ms. Galasso has worked tirelessly to improve her 
community. She began as a grammar school teacher and guidance counselor 
at Saint Aedan's School in Jersey City, where she taught for 8 years. 
She then became assistant director of Campus Ministry at Saint Peter's 
College for 10 years, where she spearheaded food and toy drives and 
walks against hunger. As program coordinator for the Parish Access 
Center, Ms. Galasso was instrumental in establishing a registration 
site for families to apply for New Jersey Kid Care and creating 
satellite offices that provide critical services for families in need. 
These offices have provided countless family baskets, Christmas gifts, 
toiletry items, and food gift certificates.
  Ms. Galasso's dedication is also evident in her immediate response to 
the tragedy of September 11. In the days following the tragedy, Ms. 
Galasso led efforts to provide sandwiches, water, and other supplies 
needed to help support those impacted by the World Trade Center 
disaster. With the help of the United Way of Hudson County, Ms. Galasso 
was able to process 186 cases for families who were impacted by the 
attack.
  Ms. Galasso continues to be involved with the Resurrection Parish and 
the Bon Secours Health System. She helps coordinate the Parish Nurse 
Program, which offers medical care to parishioners at local churches 
through a holistic approach to physical, emotional, and spiritual 
needs.
  Ms. Galasso was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. She 
received her bachelor's degree in Education from Saint Peter's College 
and her master's degree in Adult Christian Community Development from 
Regis University in Colorado.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Carmel Galasso for 
her outstanding contributions to the success of community programs that 
have served countless individuals throughout New Jersey.

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