[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF PAMELA KALLSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pamela Kallsen as she 
retires as Executive Director from the Marjaree Mason Center. Pam has 
dedicated her life to empowering domestic violence victims and 
advocating for their well-being. Her efforts have been paramount in 
ensuring the safety of hundreds of families in Fresno County.
  Pam grew up in Fresno, California. After completing high school, she 
moved to Tennessee and attended the University of Memphis. Pam obtained 
her degree in Vocational Education and returned back to Fresno to 
receive an additional degree in Home Economics from California State 
University, Fresno.
  Prior to her position as Executive Director at the Marjaree Mason 
Center, Pam worked extensively in the health care arena. While pursuing 
her career in the medical field she served as Vice President of 
executive services at Fresno Community Medical Centers. In addition, 
she held various positions at the California Eye Institute, St. Agnes 
Medical Center, and the Fresno Hospital Council.
  Pam is a true advocate for those in need. She is past chair of the 
Fresno Continuum of Care, which is an initiative that is devoted to 
housing and supporting the local homeless population. Pam serves as a 
critical component to the Fresno County Ten-Year plan to abolish 
homelessness. She is also a dynamic participant in the Fresno County 
Domestic Violence Roundtable and the California Domestic Violence 
Advisory Council.
  Under Pam's leadership, the Marjaree Mason Center has gone above and 
beyond, providing victims with resources to help them thrive in a safe 
environment. In addition to providing victims with shelter, the center 
offers legal assistance, counseling, and education for victims as well 
as for individuals throughout the entire community. During Pam's 
tenure, the center has expanded, so the Marjaree Mason Center reaches 
out to more women and children than ever before.
  Pam has proven to be a successful change agent because she fights for 
what she believes is right. In 2001, Pam was recognized as one of the 
Top Ten Professional Women of Fresno, and in 2006, she was selected as 
Woman of the Year by the California State Assembly. Pam's efforts to 
make the Central Valley a better place are observed throughout the 
entire state and nation.
  In addition to being a victims' advocate, Pam is also a wife and 
mother. It is my hope that Pam enjoys her retirement with her husband, 
Gene, and daughters, Laura and Leslie.
  As co-chair of the Victims' Rights Caucus and a passionate supporter 
of the Violence Against Women Act, it is truly an honor to recognize 
Pam. Her years of tireless work on the behalf of some of the nation's 
most vulnerable is exceptionally admirable.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
service of Pamela Kallsen. Pam will undoubtedly be missed as she 
retires from the Marjaree Mason Center, but we can expect that she will 
continue to be a strong voice and advocate for victims and their 
families.

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