[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMENDING KRISTINA SILVESTRY OF UNION COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

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                           HON. LEONARD LANCE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2009

  Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History 
Month and to congratulate Kristina Silvestry of Cranford, New Jersey 
who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women 
of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.
   This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission 
on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and 
highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our 
communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of 
Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, 
health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, 
technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime 
achievement.
   This year's Women's Advocacy Award will be given to Kristina 
Silvestry. Currently, she is a primary counselor at ``A Child's View,'' 
a Union County PALS Program. Kristina currently is employed as a 
counselor for the YWCA of Eastern Union County, serving the women, 
children, and families of Union County. Kristina's position allows her 
to work with battered families in the area, helping to establish 
housing, financial assistance, education, and emotional readiness, 
assisting these victims of violence regain their lives.
   In addition to her busy workload, Kristina spends a great deal of 
time working with the courts. She advocates for the safety and well 
being of families, serves as an expert witness in the field of domestic 
violence, accompanies victims to their hearings, and she provides the 
encouragement and support to victims of violence. Ms. Silvestry speaks 
at various meetings and organization gatherings to discuss issues such 
as Teen Dating Violence and Domestic Violence.
   Kristina Silvestry of Cranford, New Jersey has made significant 
achievements in women's advocacy. I am very pleased to congratulate 
Kristina for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my 
colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

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