[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 97 (Friday, July 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JANICE SCOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 1, 2011

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Fresno 
resident Janice Scott; and to recognize Janice for her dedication to 
changing her life's path. Over the past three years Janice has worked 
hard to overcome many challenges, an achievement which deserves to be 
recognized.
  Less than a year ago, Janice, a 36-year-old Fresno native, was 
homeless and lived in a tent city located in downtown Fresno. After 
being involved in an abusive relationship for three years, Janice had 
no job, no educational degree, and no hope. Janice struggled to meet 
her basic needs and be a productive member of society. During this 
time, Janice was approached by Mr. Greg Barfield, Fresno's ``Homeless 
Czar'', and was given the opportunity to move off of the streets and 
into her own apartment provided by the City of Fresno.
  The City of Fresno's community-wide initiative known as ``Fresno 
First Steps Home,'' provided Janice with a more stable environment. 
Janice not only took advantage of this opportunity, she used it as a 
springboard to work toward a better life. She enrolled in the North 
Campus of Heald College with a full-ride scholarship, and is on track 
to graduate with honors. Upon graduation, she is excited to pursue a 
career in Medical Administration. Janice knows that her future career 
will allow her to give back to the community which provided her the 
opportunity for not only a new home, but to begin a new life. Earlier 
this year, Janice's accomplishments and hard-work were recognized by 
Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, who presented Janice with a prestigious 
award, entitled the ``Key to the City''.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Janice Scott for her hard 
work to better her life and provide hope to others around her, and 
wishing her great success in her future endeavors.