[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               DAWN AND THE FIGHT AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE

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                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2010

  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an 
organization headquartered in Tukwila, Washington, celebrating its 30th 
year of being a place of hope for victims of domestic abuse in King 
County and speaking loudly, boldly, and clearly on their behalf.
  The Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN) in Tukwila is much more 
than a shelter for victims of domestic violence: it is an invaluable 
resource of specialized information, domestic abuse awareness, and 
anti-abuse training modules. The professionals at DAWN provide victims 
of domestic abuse in King County with the education, care, and support 
they need to take their individual lives back. According to DAWN, 78 
percent of its clients are poor or very poor; and 77 percent have 
children. At a time when our Nation is struggling mightily against wave 
after wave of poor economic news, DAWN provides a ray of hope to those 
who need it most.
  DAWN values results; the organization is constantly reevaluating 
itself to meet the needs of its clientele. DAWN values service; its 
programs and exceptional staff work tirelessly to serve. Finally, DAWN 
values its resources; much like individuals and families across our 
country, DAWN is adept at stretching dollars and helping those in need.
  Domestic abuse is an unspeakably horrendous scourge, Madam Speaker. 
It ruins families and communities, churches and schools, and has no 
economic measure. More and more, Madam Speaker, resources, programs, 
and dollars must be available to help fight against domestic abuse. 
DAWN is an organization doing its absolute best to provide normalcy in 
the face of travesty, and I thank every individual associated with the 
organization for working tirelessly on behalf of victims of abuse.
  Specifically, Madam Speaker, I want to thank Dawn's Executive 
Director Cheryl Bozarth, President Debra Fiest, the Board of Directors 
and the staff and volunteers carrying out a vision and providing 
services that have saved countless lives over the past 30 years. I urge 
every Member of this House, Madam Speaker, to support in thought, word, 
and deed any organization fighting against domestic abuse. It effects 
us all, and we all must work together to eliminate it.

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