[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SHELTER HOUSE AND THE RECIPIENTS 
            OF THE 2011 SHELTER HOUSE, INC. VOLUNTEER AWARDS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 30th 
Anniversary of Shelter House, Inc., (Shelter House) and to congratulate 
the recipients of the 2011 volunteer awards.
  Shelter House is a community-based, non-profit organization founded 
1981 by several ecumenical groups, which came together to better serve 
low-income individuals and families. The mission of Shelter House is to 
break the cycle of homelessness for families and victims of domestic 
violence in Fairfax County by providing crisis intervention, temporary 
housing, and supportive services to promote self sufficiency.
  Shelter House operates three shelters: The Katherine K. Hanley and 
the Patrick Henry family shelters, which provide temporary housing for 
families in our community who find themselves homeless, and Artemis 
House, which provides temporary housing for victims of domestic 
violence. Shelter House also offers transitional housing services and 
ongoing supportive services for those who have entered permanent 
housing.
  Volunteers and community partners are the cornerstone of this 
organization. These relationships are critical assets to Shelter House 
and a leading cause for its successes. Each year, Shelter House honors 
those volunteers and partners who have demonstrated exceptional 
dedication and commitment to ending homelessness.
  The following individuals are being recognized with 2011 Shelter 
House, Inc. Volunteer Awards:
  Ending Homelessness Award: Nicole Larese of the Junior League of 
Northern Virginia,
  Friend of Shelter House Kids Award: The Reading Connection,
  Faith Community Award: Emmaus United Church of Christ,
  Youth Volunteer Award: Jessica Woolson,
  Unsung Hero Award: Erica Stewart,
  Special Event Volunteer Award: Sarah Bock.
  The following individuals and organizations are being recognized as 
2011 Community Champions:
  Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA); AKA Phi Nu Omega 
Chapter; Balfour Beatty Construction; Capital One; Fairfax County Board 
of Supervisors; Donna Fleming; Freddie Mac Foundation; Great Falls 
Women's Club; The Honorable Kate Hanley; Verdia Haywood; HomeAid NoVA; 
Junior League of Northern Virginia; Old Dominion Cotillion; Sidley 
Austin LLP; and, Versivo.
  The outstanding efforts of the above-mentioned individuals and 
organizations merit special recognition, but one must acknowledge the 
impact of all Shelter House volunteers who work to provide secure and 
structured environments for families in need. These volunteers and 
community partners make Shelter House one of the most effective 
organizations in the battle to end homelessness by empowering families 
to reach their full potential.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Shelter 
House, Inc. for thirty years of service in the battle to end 
homelessness and also in expressing our sincere appreciation to all of 
the volunteers and community partners for their selfless dedication to 
this worthy cause.

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