[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 176 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   A TRIBUTE TO THERESA GRAHAM DeVORE

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Theresa Graham 
DeVore for her many accomplishments as a constituent in the 10th 
congressional district of New York.
  Ms. DeVore was born on June 7, 1945. From an early age growing up in 
the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, NY, she developed a strong 
concern for her community. As a teenager she witnessed children, 
adults, and seniors who lost many opportunities for advancement because 
of a lack of information.
  Ms. DeVore began her career as a nursing assistant in the Brooklyn 
Veteran's Administration Hospital, and was later promoted to clerk. It 
was during this work experience that she developed administrative 
skills. She was later reassigned and promoted to Supervisor of Medical 
Records in the Bronx Veteran's Medical Center. She received special 
recognition and monetary awards for implementing the first rotating 
file unit in the Bronx.
  Ms. DeVore is committed to doing all that she can through mentoring, 
support, and sharing with children, adults, and especially seniors the 
importance of education, and how to fulfill their purpose. She provides 
them with the skills, knowledge, and direction that contribute to their 
growth and development. In addition to giving support, she respectfully 
challenges them to be accountable for choices and decisions that affect 
their lives. She is lovingly known in the community as ``Momma Tee.''
  Ms. DeVore's professional experience includes: CEO and founder of 
Covenant of Faith Outreach, Inc (faith-based community initiative) 
which has been in operation for 10 years, issuing referrals and 
resources to those in need of housing, and information on health issues 
that affect our community. Covenant of Faith Outreach continues to 
award scholarships to students who are entering college for the first 
time and she conducts workshops on topics such as: ``The Awareness of 
Single, Dating, & Marriage'', ``Mastering the Mysteries of Love'', 
Grieving, Self-Esteem, tutoring and much more.
  Ms. DeVore volunteers as a Chaplain with the United Chaplain 
International Worldwide Outreach, Inc. She is a member of The National 
Council of Negro Women; The Unity Democratic Club; The Women's 
Federation for World Peace; American Clergy Leadership Conference; and 
the Global Peace Foundation. Presently, she is completing her studies, 
and will graduate with a Master's of Divinity degree in 2012.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Theresa DeVore for her 
resounding dedication to faith-based initiatives in the 10th 
congressional district of New York.

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