[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF KATHLEEN McDERMOTT'S RETIREMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2014

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Kathleen J. 
McDermott, the Executive Director of the Montachusett Opportunity 
Council, Inc. (MOC) a $17 million antipoverty community action agency 
serving North Central Massachusetts. After many many years of dedicated 
service, Kathy will be enjoying a well-earned retirement.
  MOC does incredible work. Their mission is to alleviate poverty and 
create healthy communities by providing services, coordinating 
community resources that promote self-sufficiency and advocating for 
social change. Last year, MOC provided services in 30 communities and 
served over 20,000 individuals
  Prior to becoming Executive Director, Kathy was the agency's Director 
of Administration and Finance. During her tenure the agency has 
developed many new initiatives. MOC is known for addressing the 
changing needs of the community by planning strategically, using new 
approaches and collaborating with community partners to build a more 
vibrant community. Programs the agency administers include Asset 
Development, ChildCare and Head Start, Youth Services, Education, 
Training and Employment, Wellness and Nutrition Services, Energy 
Conservation, Housing, Elder Services, Homelessness Services and 
Neighborhood Development.
  Kathy was instrumental in the establishment of the Community Health 
Connections Family Health Center, a federally funded health center with 
sites in Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner and served as its first 
President of the Board of Directors.
  When Kathy officially retires on August 1st, MOC will have big shoes 
to fill. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kathy 
on her retirement and wishing her the very best in the years ahead.

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