[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 82 (Tuesday, June 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF SHARON KELSO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2004

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this 
opportunity to commend an amazing woman from my congressional district, 
Sharon Kelso. Sharon has been one of the most positive forces in 
Fairfax County throughout the years and I am proud of all that she has 
accomplished to help those less fortunate throughout the county. She is 
a friend and someone that I admire greatly. Sharon will be retiring 
after faithful and selfless service to United Community Ministries and 
the people of Fairfax County.
  The main legacy Sharon will leave behind is her work as Executive 
Director of United Community Ministries. When she first began working 
for UCM, the agency had not existed for long, and its focus was smaller 
than what Sharon thought it could accomplish. With her vision and 
dedication, UCM has grown into one of the most important organizations 
in northern Virginia. One of her most lasting contributions was to 
establish the first walk-in clinic for the uninsured using volunteer 
doctors, nurses and technicians. Since that time, the citizens of 
Fairfax County have seen additional clinics open up for those without 
health insurance.
  While her work for UCM would be enough to fill anyone's time, Sharon 
wanted to give even more assistance to her community. She has served on 
numerous boards and committees to help better Fairfax County for all 
who chose to make it their home. As Co-Chair of the Homeless Oversight 
Committee, Sharon has helped to implement strategies to prevent 
homelessness throughout the county. Knowing that affordable housing is 
one of the most important issues in this area, she has worked on the 
Affordable Dwelling Unit Task Force which ensures that the affordable 
dwelling ordinances are effective, and through her service on the 
Fairfax Committee of 100 Board of Directors she has helped evaluate the 
lack of affordable housing for those who need it.
  Sharon Kelso has also taken on an advocacy role and was often 
lobbying for issues relating to human services needs, childcare, child 
abuse and neglect, health and mental health care and homelessness. She 
also worked with her local Chamber of Commerce to lobby the Fairfax 
Board of Supervisors to maintain affordable housing. It is through her 
efforts that these issues have been brought to the forefront for the 
leaders and community activists of Fairfax County.
  While Sharon is retiring from UCM and moving out of the area, I am 
certain she will continue to work on behalf of those who need help the 
most. Her work has vastly improved the lives of thousands of families 
throughout the community and Virginia. Sharon's vision and dedication 
has touched many people and will ensure a bright future for generations 
to come. I congratulate Sharon on her retirement. More importantly, I 
say thank you for making such a difference in the Northern Virginia 
area.

                          ____________________