[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE LEAGUE OF SAN MATEO COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2012

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Service League of San 
Mateo County which for a half-century has provided services and created 
hope for thousands of county jail inmates and their families. The 
compassionate volunteers and staff work tirelessly to make certain 
inmates and former inmates have access to programs, services and 
support networks they need to re-enter the community as contributing 
citizens and responsible family members.
  Every day the Service League helps individuals who have lost their 
way get a step closer to productive lives and benefits our entire 
community by reducing criminal activity and recidivism. I am privileged 
to be a member of the Advisory Board of this great organization.
  Under the outstanding leadership of executive director Mike Nevin, 
the Service League continues to offer a broad range of programs 
covering humanitarian, educational, substance abuse, recovery, 
spiritual and personal growth services. While some of the needs of 
inmates may seem obvious, such as contact with attorneys, probation 
officers and employers, the Service League also the less obvious needs. 
The ``Jury Trial Clothes'' program, for example, levels the playing 
field for inmates who are unable to afford clothing suitable for court 
appearances, jail procedures, or facility programs. The Service League 
solicits donations and dresses inmates for trial. ``Inmate 
Orientations'' are held twice weekly to provide information to newly-
jailed individuals about the correctional process and facility 
programs, such as AA, NA, and church services. ``Outreach to Families'' 
of inmates provides friendly support, referral, advocacy and emergency 
assistance. The County Office of Education offers GED tutoring and 
testing at some facilities and the Service League supports this effort 
by training volunteers to tutor inmates one on one.
  The Service League also operates six Hope Houses, two residential 
homes for women, two transitional homes for women and two transitional 
homes for men. Those facilities truly live up to their name! Karen 
Francone-Hart, director of the Service League, started the first six-
bed Hope House in 1990. Thinking back to that time, Karen reflects that 
``each day, each step reminded me of nurturing a new infant.''
  Hope Houses provide a 180-day residential treatment program for women 
who are involved in the criminal justice program. These women are 
prepared to become responsible, productive and independent members of 
the community while living in a safe, nurturing and clean environment. 
After completing the 180-day treatment program, the women are allowed 
to move into a transitional living program--Hope House II--as long as 
they stay employed or are attending school. The success of this program 
speaks for itself: 85% of the women who complete the program are 
reunited with their children, 70% remain clean, sober and crime free 
and 60% become gainfully employed.
  Diane Joiner is one of the women who found her path through Hope 
House. While she was in jail, she participated in the ``Hope Inside'' 
program, a group led by the Hope House staff. When she was released, 
she sought residential treatment at a Hope House. She graduated from 
the 180 day program and is now happily employed by Goodwill Industries 
where she received a promotion shortly after being hired. Diane was 
given a second chance, regained her life and is now a proud, productive 
member of our community.
  Mr. Speaker, the volunteers and staff of the Service League of San 
Mateo County recognize the humanity in every single member of our 
society. I ask this body to rise with me to honor their passion to 
build a better tomorrow for all of us.

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