[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 64 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E979-E980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF MS. MARCELLE FORTIER CITRON

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, JR.

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2005

  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great 
achievements and selfless service of Ms. Marcelle Fortier Citron of 
Lafayette, Louisiana. Ms. Citron has been helping the people of 
Acadiana for over fifty years. She began her service work in 1950, when 
she served as the co-chair for the Hospital Dental Clinic for Under-
Privileged Children. During the 1950s she helped establish the 
Lafayette Day Nurseries, where underprivileged mothers could leave 
their children when they had to go to work. In 1962, Ms. Citron helped 
found the Pink Ladies and Candy Stripers for the Lafayette Sanitarium 
at the Lafayette General Hospital. She then served as the 
organization's president for three and a half years.
  In 1982, Ms. Citron became a board member of the Faith House Battered 
Women's Shelter. She served on the board for nine years, including two 
as president. Frequently, Ms. Citron would provide shelter in her own 
home for the women and the families that

[[Page E980]]

sought refuge at Faith House. During her time with the Faith House, it 
was recognized as one of the top five model shelters in the country by 
the Homeless in America Project. Even today Ms. Citron remains in touch 
with many of those she helped through the Faith House and often 
provides them with necessities.
  In the late 1980s, Ms. Citron founded two non-profit organizations 
that have done immeasurable good for Acadiana. Foodnet was created in 
1987. Foodnet provides food and necessities for lower income residents 
in Acadiana's eight parishes. During its eighteen years of existence, 
Foodnet has collected over 30,000 tons of food for the thirty food 
distribution agencies it supports. In 1989 Ms. Citron also founded 
Project RX, a program which provides free prescription drugs for those 
in financial distress. Today, this organization helps hundreds of needy 
obtain important and critical medications.
  In recognition of her service, Ms. Citron has received numerous 
service awards. In 1990 she was named Outstanding Woman by the Business 
and Professional Women Association. She was then named Rotarian of the 
Year in 1991. Ms. Citron has also been awarded the Lafayette Civic Cup. 
Though she has received so much deserved notice of her great service, 
Ms. Citron nonetheless prefers to remain in the background of her 
organizations. She works not for public recognition but rather solely 
for the public good. I applaud Ms. Citron's work and commend the 
shining example of personal charity and kindness she sets for Acadiana.

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