[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MS. SHARON SCHUCHERT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 2003

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Sharon Schuchert 
of Stanislaus County who is being awarded the Department of Heath and 
Human Services Adoption Excellence Award. It is truly an honor to 
recognize all of her achievements as a dedicated social worker in our 
community.
  Ms. Schuchert is the recipient of the 2003 award of Adoption 
Excellence Award, for her outstanding accomplishments in achieving 
permanency for America's children waiting in foster care.
  In 1969, Ms. Schuchert began her public service career as a social 
worker for Stanislaus County Community Services Agency and in 2001, in 
collaboration with other community leaders, she founded Camp A Life 
With Adoption Yields Success (A.L.W.A.Y.S.). Camp A.L.W.A.Y.S. mission 
statement is to provide every member of an adoptive family with a 
supportive environment. At Camp A.L.W.A.Y.S. adoptive families spend 
time in Pine Crest, California learning about the unique challenges 
facing adoptive families in a positive family oriented setting. For 
many families who attend Camp A.L.W.A.Y.S. this is one of the few times 
they are surrounded by others with similar family structures.
  Ms. Schuchert's award is especially relevant as November is National 
Adoption Month. There are roughly 130,000 children ranging toddlers to 
teenagers who are currently in foster care waiting to be placed in a 
safe, permanent home. Recognizing their plight on a national level is 
an important first step to permanency. By providing children in need 
with the opportunity to grow and succeed through adoption, we can help 
them on their journey to becoming confident and successful members of 
society.
  Mr. Speaker, the county of Stanislaus, and the 18th Congressional 
District of California have been greatly strengthened by the efforts of 
Ms. Schuchert and Camp A.L.W.A.Y.S. America's children must not be 
forgotten and through the leadership of individuals like Ms. Schuchert 
we can continue to fight on their behalf.
  I ask my colleagues to help honor Ms. Sharon Schuchert today for her 
service to this great nation.

                          ____________________