[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 93 (Wednesday, June 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE VOLUNTEERS FOR PROJECT MEND-A-HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the volunteers 
for Project Mend-A-House.
   A joint effort between private citizens and the Prince William 
County government, Project Mend-A-House was created in 1984. At the 
time, Lily Blackwell was a volunteer delivering meals to seniors who 
were confined to their homes due to disabilities. Her call to action 
began with the observation that a number of seniors along her delivery 
route could no longer perform necessary home repairs. Basic home repair 
and some structural improvements were needed to ensure that these 
disabled seniors remained safe and independent. Ms. Blackwell partnered 
with Toni Clemons-Porter and Lin Wagener of the Prince William Area 
Agency on Aging to create the foundation of an organization that has 
now provided humanitarian assistance for a quarter of a century.
   Project Mend-A-House completes home repairs and safety modifications 
to facilitate independent living for seniors, the disabled and low-
income residents. Over the years, projects have ranged from fixing 
termite damage in an older home to making entire houses more accessible 
with wheelchair ramps, hand rails, shower seats and transfer benches. 
The work is truly a community effort. Local corporate partners provide 
monetary support, volunteers and building materials. Civic associations 
and faith based groups contribute hundreds of volunteer hours to 
Project Mend-A-House each year. Project Mend-A-House puts everyone to 
work regardless of skill level to improve the quality of life for our 
disabled, elderly and low income neighbors.
   It is my honor to enter into the Congressional Record the names of 
the volunteers for Project Mend-A-House:
   Lee Bertand, Edie Clark, Don McCubbin, Steven Donovan, Rich 
Feickert, Kristen Hull, Tajr Hull, Dave Kaiser, Bob Leiker, Terry 
Lopez, Chris Maddocks, Sally Okuly, Marty Raines, Barbara Reese, David 
Seigrist, Dave Rogers, Matt Schaffer, Gail Straker, Guy Straker, 
Therese Swetnam, Terry Swirchak, Sarah Tamai.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the 
volunteers of Project Mend-A-House for their service and in thanking 
them for their dedication to our community.

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