[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO SHEILA STEWART-BETEGON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sheila 
Stewart-Betegon for her tireless service to her community.
  Sheila Stewart-Betegon was born August 22 in Colon in the Republic of 
Panama to Cathleen and August Stewart. She is the youngest of three 
sisters; her older sisters are Maritza Austin and Diana Street. She is 
married to Porfirio Betegon; she has three children and one grandchild.
  Sheila graduated from Abel Bravo High School in Colon and went to 
study law and political science in the University of Panama. She 
migrated to the United States in December of 1984.
  Like many immigrants, Sheila took odd jobs such as fast food 
restaurants, and working as a messenger and mail clerk while pursuing 
the American dream. As a determined and ambitious woman with 
aspirations of growing professionally, she completed her undergraduate 
studies in criminal justice at John Jay College in February 1989.
  Thereafter she began to work for Miracle Makers Inc., one of the 
largest minority non-profit organizations in the State of New York. For 
16 years Sheila worked at Miracle Makers Inc. and served the community 
in numerous capacities: as a caseworker, supervisor and coordinator for 
permanency planning. Sheila monitored over fifty children annually in 
their foster homes and schools and assessed the goal of reunification 
of children and families.
  In order to keep up with the increasing demands for high level 
professionals, Sheila returned to college and obtained a Masters degree 
from Long Island University Brooklyn Campus in 2001.
  In 2005, Sheila carried over her experience and skills in social 
service and social work involving children and young adults to the 
Salvation Army, one of the oldest social services organizations in the 
United States. Sheila was hired as a recruiting officer to find foster 
and adoptive parents for children who could not remain with their 
biological family.
  During this time Sheila volunteered her service at ``Prouecto de 
Trabajadores Latino Americanos'' providing instruction in English as a 
second language to immigrants. Sheila is a member of Free Will Church 
of God in Christ where the pastor is Eddie Lacewell. Sheila has been 
given the opportunity to bring forth the word of God.
  In 2006, Sheila returned to Panama for six months to culminate her 
studies in law and obtain her degree as a lawyer. She is currently 
employed as a Probation Officer for the City of New York Department of 
Probation.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
contributions of Sheila Stewart-Betegon.

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