[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 186 (Tuesday, December 6, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S8374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise to give a voice to the 
countless children in need of good homes all across this country and to 
recognize an organization in my State that helps provide these children 
with a safe environment and a nurturing family.
  The Children's Home Society has served West Virginia for 115 years. 
This organization has 12 locations all across our State that work to 
meet one critical mission: finding homes for children who don't have a 
loving place to live.
  I have always said the best investment we can make in our country is 
an investment in the next generation, and that starts with making sure 
each of our children has a place to call home. That is why the work of 
the Children's Home Society is so important.
  More than 400 children in my home State of West Virginia are 
currently living in a foster home. For many of them, it is the first 
time they have received a safe place to live and loving care. The 
Children's Home Society has worked tirelessly on their behalf. Their 
programs range from emergency shelters to foster and adoption services 
and mentoring. The organization exists to help care for, protect, and 
nurture children, as well as strengthen and protect families.
  The Children's Home Society has also worked vigorously to build 
awareness throughout our State. This fall the organization hosted the 
Footsteps for Foster Kids Festival, an event created to illustrate the 
need for foster families in West Virginia and recruit families who can 
provide loving homes for children. All day long, children and families 
had opportunities to participate in various activities at the festival, 
including paddle boat races and fishing competitions. More than 400 
people attended, and the Children's Home Society was able to reach out 
to new families interested in opening their homes to children in need.
  In fact, the idea for the Footsteps for Foster Kids Festival first 
came from our young people, when 10 area youth called the Band Together 
Organization worked with the Children's Home Society to make the day a 
true success. They are an inspiring group, and we are all proud of 
their efforts and service to the community.
  I would like to congratulate the Children's Home Society for their 
legacy of impressive and meaningful work and thank the Band Together 
Organization for the commitment they have demonstrated to improving the 
lives of children. Your example serves our State and our Nation 
well.

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