[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SHIRLEY KISS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2008

  Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my 
constituent, Shirley Kiss, on the occasion of her 80th Birthday. With 
Shirley's help and leadership, We Care of Grundy County has evolved 
into an organization that has helped thousands of residents in Grundy 
County, Illinois. We Care helps residents by giving them rides to 
medical appointments, help with their bills or by providing emergency 
babysitting services to residents in need.
  Shirley Kiss began her career with We Care as a phone volunteer 2 
years after We Care began providing services in 1971. Shirley's talents 
became quickly evident and she became Secretary of We Care's Steering 
Committee in 1975. In 1977, Shirley assumed greater responsibilities 
when she became Chairman of the Steering Committee. As Chairman, 
Shirley worked to increase We Care's community presence by giving 
interviews to WCSJ, the local radio station in Morris. Shirley also 
worked with community organizations and churches in order to find 
volunteers and build a network of relationships.
  Two years after she became Chairman, Shirley was instrumental in 
helping We Care become incorporated. Because of Shirley's hard work, We 
Care became ``We Care of Grundy County, Inc.'' on June 12, 1979. For 21 
years, until her retirement, Shirley worked as the first full-time paid 
Administrator of We Care of Grundy County. Shirley continued her 
involvement with We Care by returning to a volunteer position on the 
Board of Directors after her 2000 retirement.
  As a longtime resident of Morris, I have seen We Care grow and 
provide needed services to many members of the community. I 
congratulate Mrs. Shirley Kiss on the occasion of her 80th Birthday and 
thank her for all of her hard work with We Care of Grundy County.

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