[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 84 (Monday, June 2, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF LINDA JOYCE

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                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 2, 2014

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Linda Joyce for 
her many years of public service to our community. As the Executive 
Director for the YWCA of Kitsap County for 20 years, Ms. Joyce has 
expanded the organization to better serve the needs of the community 
and has been an unyielding advocate for social justice.
   Ms. Joyce's career path is a testament of her lifelong passion and 
commitment to serving the public. After receiving a degree in 
sociology, Ms. Joyce served as a social worker assisting families, 
children, and seniors. Later, her career path led her to work one-on-
one with domestic violence survivors at a local shelter--a role that 
defined her mission in life and initiated her career at the YWCA.
   One does not have to search long to find the positive results of Ms. 
Joyce's tireless work. Her leadership was instrumental in a three-phase 
renovation of the YWCA ALIVE Shelter and expanding and relocating the 
YWCA Community Center. Furthermore, Ms. Joyce has advanced community 
dialogue and awareness through the creation of public events such as 
Week without Violence, ArtsAlive, and the Women of Achievement 
Recognition Luncheon, where she herself was recently recognized.
   The impact that these programs have had, and continue to have, is 
immeasurable and profoundly significant. Today, the YWCA of Kitsap 
County has broadened the local safety net and is accessed annually by 
over 6,000 community members seeking to overcome domestic violence or 
housing challenges, or to pursue opportunities to strengthen their 
careers and families.
   Mr. Speaker, I have been encouraged by Ms. Joyce's community 
leadership and I applaud her for her celebrated tenure. Ms. Joyce's 
mission to ensure the welfare and dignity of domestic violence 
survivors as well as the empowerment of women has shaped our community 
for the better. I am pleased to recognize Linda Joyce in the United 
States Congress.

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