[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1719-E1720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DIANNE EDWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2006

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dianne Edwards of 
Santa Rosa, California, who is retiring after ten years as Director of 
Human Services for Sonoma County,
  Dianne's job required overseeing one of the largest departments in 
County government. Human Services provides essential services to one in 
nine residents including cash aid, medical assistance, and food stamps 
to low income individuals and families; employment and training 
services; assistance to the elderly, disabled and veterans to maintain 
quality of life; and child welfare and child protective services. 
Dianne managed the 600 staff and their supervisors responsible for 
these activities at 8 locations.

[[Page E1720]]

  Children are among our most vulnerable populations, and during 
Dianne's tenure the County, with the assistance of other organizations, 
built the Valley of the Moon Children's Home, an emergency center for 
child victims of abuse. The department also manages the Redwood 
Children's Center for a safe, supportive environment for child victims 
of sexual abuse.
  Dianne holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration and has spent 
the last 34 years in social services in California at both county and 
state levels. She began her career as an eligibility worker, worked 2 
years as State Chief of AFDC and Food Stamps Policy for all 58 
California counties, and served as Director of Adult and Employment 
Services for Orange County just before moving to Sonoma.
  Locally, Dianne has shared her expertise with the community including 
the Board of Directors of United Way, commissioner on the Children and 
Families Commission, and member of the Mayor's Gang Task Force for the 
City of Santa Rosa. She has also participated, as a member and officer 
of the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the National 
Association of Counties, and the National Association of County Human 
Services Administrators.
  Mr. Speaker, Sonoma County has been fortunate to have Dianne Edward's 
leadership for the Human Services Department, a department which is 
responsible for the welfare of many of our community's most vulnerable 
citizens. We appreciate the skill, proficiency, and dedication with 
which she has guided these crucial services for 10 years.

                          ____________________