[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING KIMBERLY EVANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Kimberly Evans, an outstanding community leader, public servant, and 
tireless advocate for military members, veterans, and their families in 
Ventura County. Kim Evans demonstrates remarkable service to our 
community as the Founder and Director of the Ventura County Military 
Collaborative, which fosters invaluable collaboration among government, 
non-profit, and community agencies, organizations and individuals to 
strengthen and promote the military network of care throughout the 
region.
   Kim earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine 
University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed 
Professional Clinic Counselor in Ventura County. Additionally, Kim was 
trained at the National Center for PTSD and has been an Embedded 
Therapist for the Army National Guard and Director of Psychological 
Health, specializing in working with military members and their 
families.
   Kim Evans has devoted over 14 years in service to our military 
community and is an acknowledged expert on the effects of military 
deployment on service members and their families. She has tirelessly 
dedicated her expertise to brief over 8,000 military personnel and 
family members on mental health issues, and train over 1,200 clinicians 
throughout the state of California on military culture and working with 
military members and their families.
   As Director of the Ventura County Military Collaborative, her 
outstanding leadership has culminated in three annual Military and 
Veteran Expos, providing community, fellowship, food, and 
entertainment, along with free employment, legal, and benefits 
assistance, which serves to reduce unemployment and homelessness among 
veterans in our community. Furthermore, Kim has organized numerous 
community events serving military and veteran families, including 
Operation Snow Flake, an annual event bringing together Ventura County 
Military Collaborative members and local volunteers to provide a 
holiday celebration filled with presents, food, and special guests for 
military and veteran families in need.
   Currently, Kim also works with the Ventura County Superior Court as 
the Veterans Court Liaison, training California police departments on 
how to work with veterans and how to create successful reintegration 
for returning law enforcement officers who have been mobilized for 
combat. Kim's committed involvement in Veterans Court has led directly 
to a program expansion of over 30% and now includes the Mentor Program, 
building relationships between veterans. Kim also developed a Veterans 
Legal Clinic to provide free legal information and advice.
   For these reasons, it is my distinct honor to recognize and express 
my sincere appreciation to Kimberly Evans for her remarkable 
accomplishments and unwavering support and service to the military and 
veteran population of Ventura County. She is an exemplary citizen, and 
her tireless advocacy for current and former members of the United 
States Armed Forces has made an immeasurable impact upon our community.

                          ____________________