[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHILDHELP

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Childhelp and to congratulate them on their 50th Anniversary.
  Childhelp is one of the premier national organizations dedicated to 
leading the fight against child abuse and neglect. Founded in 1959 by 
Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, Childhelp's approach focuses on 
prevention, intervention and treatment. The Childhelp National Child 
Abuse Hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and receives 
calls from throughout the United States, Canada, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam. Childhelp's programs and services also 
include residential treatment services; children's advocacy centers; 
therapeutic foster care; group homes; child abuse prevention, education 
and training; and the National Day of Hope, part of National Child 
Abuse Prevention Month every April. Several of Childhelp's programs 
were firsts and continue to be studied by professionals worldwide as 
``models that work.''
  Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson continue to actively lead the 
organization and provide its vision, serving as Chairman/CEO and 
President, respectively. Their humanitarian commitment has been 
recognized throughout the world; Sara and Yvonne were nominated for the 
Nobel Peace Prize for three consecutive years, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
  It is impossible to know how many lives have been touched by 
Childhelp, how many children protected, how many families strengthened. 
Although exact numbers may be difficult to identify, it is clear that 
Childhelp has filled a critical role in child abuse prevention and 
education. It would not have been possible for Childhelp to achieve its 
many successes without the dedication and commitment of their 
volunteers. They are the heart and soul of the organization; they are 
the links that keep the chain strong.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Childhelp, 
especially the volunteers of this incredible organization, for their 
commitment to the most vulnerable members of our society, our children. 
I also ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Childhelp on 
the occasion of its Golden Anniversary.

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