[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO TONI CHILDRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL C. BROUN

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2013

  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. 
Toni Childress, a compassionate advocate for children and families in 
northeast Georgia. For seven years, Ms. Childress has served as 
executive director for Family Connection and Communities In Schools of 
Stephens County, Incorporated. The mission of the organization is 
simple--to surround students with a community of support, empowering 
them to stay in school and achieve in life.
  Under her leadership, Family Connection and Community In Schools, 
FCCIS, has encouraged children to accomplish more than they ever 
thought possible through effective literacy and tutoring programs, as 
well as a powerful mentoring program. Of the latter, one student 
shared, ``My mentor has helped me to follow my dreams and keep my goals 
high.'' This sincere expression of one student is reason enough to 
honor Ms. Childress. However, she is one who goes above and beyond the 
required assignment.
  Where Ms. Childress sees a need, she will rise to the occasion to 
find a solution. When a social worker approached her about the lack of 
warm winter clothing for several students, Ms. Childress organized a 
successful coat drive. Now, in its fourth year, FCCIS distributes more 
than seven hundred coats to children and adults throughout Stephens 
County. Similarly, when Ms. Childress learned that there is an alarming 
rate of child abuse and neglect in her community, she quickly organized 
monthly workshops with the acknowledgment that change begins with 
awareness.
  For this reason, it is my honor to acknowledge Ms. Toni Childress for 
the significant contributions she has made to her community. Whether it 
is providing gift certificates for student vision exams or welcome bags 
for newborn babies, Ms. Childress is passionate about making a 
difference. On behalf of the United States Congress, I applaud her 
great work and wish continued success for Family Connection and 
Communities In Schools of Stephens County, Incorporated.

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