[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, at this moment, there are more than 
400,000 young Americans in the foster care system. They face both 
enormous chances of hope and opportunity, but also hardship. Like all 
children, they need guidance and they need an advocate.
  During National Foster Care Month, we work to improve the reality of 
our Nation's foster youth and especially honor the dedicated foster 
families who care for these youth. All children deserve loving, safe, 
and stable homes. Each year there are thousands of foster youth who age 
out of the system without a permanent family. Studies show that these 
youth are more likely to end up homeless, commit to a life of crime, or 
suffer from undiagnosed or untreated mental health challenges. Within 
the foster care system, there are bright stars of help and hope.
  Today I'd like to share a story of one such extraordinary foster 
parent: Mrs. Eula Gardner Dowdy. Over the years, Eula Gardner Dowdy of 
Clarksville and her late husband have brought more than 100 children 
into their home as foster children. The Dowdy house became a home to 
children regardless of age, race, creed, or ability. Backgrounds 
changing, the one constant for these children was their need for love 
and caring, and Eula's willingness to welcome them into her family. The 
2006 Tennessee Foster Parent of the Year, Eula has received many 
deserving accolades for her contributions to the Clarksville community.
  There are countless Eula Gardner Dowdy's in our great country whose 
love enriches the children that enter their homes. I rise today to 
thank all those who bring foster children into their hearts and make a 
lasting and powerful difference in lives of those children. During 
National Foster Care Month, I ask my colleagues to rise with me in 
thanksgiving for the many foster parents who are wonderful examples of 
devotion to the youth of today so that they may have hope for a better 
tomorrow.

                          ____________________