[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING RECIPIENTS OF THE 2010 SHELTER HOUSE VOLUNTEER AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 08, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Shelter House, Inc., and particularly the contributions that its 
volunteers make in service to our community. Shelter House and its 
outstanding volunteers serve Northern Virginia by coming to the aid of 
some of those most in need of support and assistance. Volunteers are 
critical in helping Shelter House achieve its mission of breaking the 
cycle of homelessness by providing crisis intervention, temporary 
housing, training, counseling, and programs to promote self 
sufficiency.
  Shelter House is a community-based, non-profit organization. It was 
formed in 1981 when several ecumenical groups came together to better 
serve low-income individuals and families. Shelter House operates three 
shelters, the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter and the Patrick Henry 
Family Shelter, which provide temporary housing for families in our 
community who find themselves homeless, and also Artemis House, Fairfax 
County's Domestic Violence Shelter. This year, Shelter House was named 
to the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, as ``One of the 
Best'' area non profits.
  In addition, Shelter House offers transitional housing services 
throughout Fairfax County. As part of the effort to stop the cycle of 
homelessness, the services provided by Shelter House continue even 
after individuals enter permanent housing.
  Individuals, organizations, and businesses dedicate their time, 
money, and wherewithal to help Shelter House succeed in its efforts to 
end homelessness in Fairfax County. These relationships are critical 
assets to Shelter House and a leading cause for its successes. Shelter 
House has recognized the specific contributions from its partners and 
volunteers and named the following recipients of its 2010 Volunteer 
Awards:
  Ending Homelessness Award: Great Falls Women's Club
  Friend of Shelter House Kids Award at the Patrick Henry Family 
Shelter: Kate Seikaly
  Friend of Shelter House Kids Award at the Katherine K. Hanley Family 
Shelter: Clifton -Community Women's Club
  Friend of Shelter House Kids Award at Artemis House: Rhonda Gary
  Community Partner Award at the Patrick Henry Family Shelter: Northern 
Virginia Urban League
  Community Partner Award at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter: 
National Charity League, -Inc., Cherry Blossom Chapter
  Community Partner Award at Artemis House: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 
Inc.--Fairfax County -Alumnae Chapter
  Youth Volunteer Award: Lexi Hamilton
  Unsung Hero Award: Anika Armstrong
  Special Event Volunteer Award: Tanika Siler
  Community Champion Award: Balfour Beatty Construction
  We also must acknowledge the impact of all Shelter House volunteers 
who work to provide secure, structured environments and connect 
families with the supportive services they require. These volunteers 
help make Shelter House one of the most effective organizations in the 
battle to end homelessness by empowering families to reach their full 
potential.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our 
gratitude for the efforts of these volunteers and their colleagues at 
Shelter House. The selfless commitment of these individuals provides 
enumerable benefits to the Northern Virginia community as well as life-
changing services to individuals in need.

                          ____________________