[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 187 (Wednesday, December 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2202-E2203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO CRUZ FUKSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Cruz 
Fuksman for her continued efforts to rebuild and improve her community 
through health and educational services.
  Ms. Fuksman was born and raised in the Dominican Republic by her 
single mother and six siblings. Ms. Fuksman came to the United States 
to seek a better education to provide for herself and her family. She 
attained her bachelor's in Human Services from Boricua College and 
later received a Master's degree in Social Work from Hunter College 
School of Social Work. Currently Ms. Fuksman works as the Community 
Liaison at the New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center where she 
uses her expertise in social work to serve as the director for a 
variety of mental health and family service programs. She likewise 
served in this capacity at the American Red Cross of Greater New York 
for more than a dozen years, where she was routinely honored as 
Caseworker of the Month.
  The work that Ms. Fuksman has done reflects her ambition to reform 
her community at the highest levels. The social work discipline she 
learned throughout her schooling has been a guiding tool that Ms. 
Fuksman frequently relies on to help families. Recently Ms. Fuksman was 
honored by Bushwick Impact for her enthusiasm, wisdom, collaboration, 
and support in helping them serve over 2000 families in the Bushwick 
area.
  Ms. Fuksman also displays her strong community ties by serving as one 
of the co-chairs of the Community Partnership Project of East New York, 
Chair of the Seed Committee of the Cypress Hills Local Development 
Corporation and by participating in many community projects and events 
in East New York. Aside from her community involvement, Ms. Fuksman 
understands the importance of educating our youth, and has had the 
opportunity to work as an adjunct professor at La Guardia Community 
College.
  Ms. Fuksman has a very genuine and unique passion for helping 
children and families to improve the quality of their lives and for 
getting the community involved in efforts to improve the quality of 
life for the residents. Ms. Fuksman is an excellent cook and uses her 
cooking skills to fundraise for many causes. Among them are victims of 
the earthquake in Haiti, Habitat for Humanity, Breast Cancer Foundation 
and various catholic charities.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
accomplishments of Ms. Cruz Fuksman.

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