[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 142 (Monday, September 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING HARRIS SAUL NUSSBAUM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 24, 2007

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Harris Nussbaum, who is being recognized as the first Our Children's 
Hero honoree by the If Given a Chance Foundation during their first 
annual ``Chance Encounter'' event. Mr. Nussbaum is being honored for 
his remarkable work and the positive contributions he has made in the 
lives of young people in the Napa Valley and beyond.
  If Given a Chance was founded in 1994 by a group of concerned Napa 
citizens who wanted to find ways to help address the myriad problems 
young people face. In 1995, they made their first awards to a diverse 
group of young adults who had overcome unusual challenges, including a 
young single mother, former gang members, and a young man with cerebral 
palsy. Now, If Given a Chance annually awards $150,000 in scholarships 
to young people from around the region.
  Mr. Nussbaum has been a positive and influential force in the lives 
of Napa's children for many years. He has been a teacher, helping 
students overcome the hurdles in their lives. He has founded or 
directed countless programs to support peer tutoring and community 
service for young people. His work has enabled people of all ages in 
our community to take control of their lives, and to reach out and help 
others who may need support.
  Mr. Nussbaum has also been tireless in his work with a wide ranging 
group of organizations benefiting our community. I have been personally 
privileged to see the work he did as a founding member and president of 
Aldea, helping to provide for some of the area's neediest children. As 
an advisor to the California legislature on educational policy and 
community service programming, he has lent his expertise to our State's 
policy makers. He has been of the greatest service to Napa County, 
serving on the Commissions on Children, Youth and Families; Mental 
Health Services Act Advisory Board; and the Opera House Board.
  Madam Speaker, at this time it is appropriate that we recognize Mr. 
Harris Nussbaum for his work on behalf of Napa County's children. He 
richly deserves recognition as Our Children's Hero, and I know he will 
continue to support the superb services he has helped create for our 
children.

                          ____________________