[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       HONORING MRS. CAROLYN FISH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2015

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Carolyn Fish, who 
has spent her life as a vocal advocate for women in Rockland County, 
New York.
  Carolyn's activism began in the 1970s when she attended an early 
planning meeting for the Rockland County Chapter of the National 
Organization for Women (NOW). She helped organize Rockland NOW's first 
conference at Rockland Community College, a pivotal moment in the 
growth of the women's rights movement in the county. Following the 
conference Carolyn continued to organize and plan events highlighting 
women's issues, eventually becoming vice president of Rockland NOW in 
1977.
  Since 1978 Carolyn has been the Executive Director of the Rockland 
Family Shelter (RFS), leading its growth from a small shelter to a 
full-service violence and sexual assault agency. The shelter provides 
residential and non-residential services that encompass all the needs 
of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Under her 
leadership, RFS has fouced on addressing oppression and integrating 
awareness of racism and sexism to better meet the needs of the women 
and children RFS serves.
  During her tenure RFS has received numerous awards, including the 
Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Community Service in 1985, the 
Distinguished Housing Award from the State of New York in 1986, and the 
Pinnacle Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Non-Profit Organization 
from the Rockland Business Association in 2004.
  Carolyn has also lectured throughout the nation on the causes and 
effects of domestic violence and has served on a statewide task force 
to develop the New York State Domestic Violence Policies for Counties, 
the New York State Crime Victims' Board Advisory Council, and the New 
York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. For her hard work and 
dedication, she has received numerous awards and honors, including the 
Oustanding Victim Advocate Award from the New York State Crime Victims 
Board in 1999, and a Women of Distinction Award from the New York State 
Senate, also in 1999.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Carolyn Fish for her lifetime 
of work on behalf of women in Rockland County, New York, and across the 
country. I urge my colleagues to join me in applauding her 
achievements.

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