[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 96 (Tuesday, July 13, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8025-S8026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           MARGUERITE'S PLACE CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of a 
remarkable organization in Nashua, NH. For the past 10 years, 
Marguerite's Place, Inc. has provided safe, affordable housing for 
women and their children. More importantly, it has been a critical stop 
on the road for those families who are fighting to rebuild their lives 
and brighten their futures.
  Although there are many words which can be used to describe 
Marguerite's Place, the one which best captures why it is so special is 
``Hope''. During my first visit in 1997 and on countless others I have 
made since then, I have been amazed by the overwhelming positive spirit 
filling every room there. The women who have come to Marguerite's Place 
have been through very difficult situations and yet they are actively 
reaching to retake control of their world. In almost all cases, they 
succeed. Of course, the reason for this impressive track record is the 
staff and supporters do not let them fail. Marguerite's Place gives 
these women a warm and safe home, the needed assistance in finishing 
school or launching a career and an energetic daycare center for their 
children. Most of all, these women learn they have unique abilities and 
skills which will take them far. In short, they are given the hope they 
need to take back their lives.
  One of my favorite spots at Marguerite's Place is the child care 
center.

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Many of the children there have probably been homeless for a time or 
have experienced situations no child should be forced to endure. But, 
watching them playing together in the center and interacting with each 
other and their teachers, it is easy to sense they have found a home. 
It is here where one can witness the fundamental impact Marguerite's 
Place is having on the greater Nashua community. Through their programs 
and support, the staff here pass on to our youngest generation of 
citizens the feeling they too have a wide open future.
  The leader of Marguerite's Place, and its heart and soul, is Sister 
Sharon Walsh. Her firm commitment to insuring the residents meet the 
expectations set for them is near legendary. Yet, she is profoundly 
upbeat in her vision that people can change for the better. She is 
continually seeking ways they can be part of the American Dream. It is 
this combination of optimism and determination that make Sister Sharon 
so inspirational. In turn, her enthusiasm is what makes Marguerite's 
Place so unique and so effective. Of course, Sister Sharon is modest 
and would deflect much of the praise and credit to her staff for the 
successes they have achieved. In my conversations with them, I have 
learned they share Sister Sharon's vision and skill in bringing out the 
best in people. Sister Elaine Fahey, for example, runs the daycare 
center. It is obvious the children love her and view her as a role 
model.
  So, as Marguerite's Place celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, 
I want to thank Sister Sharon, her staff and all the supporters for the 
remarkable work they have done to restore dignity and self-esteem to 
those who may have lost it. They have made Nashua a better place to 
live. I am proud to be a supporter of Marguerite's Place and am happy 
to extend my deepest wishes for continued success.

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