[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 43 (Thursday, March 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       HONORING MS. MARIA GUEVARA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria 
Guevara, whom I have named Woman of the Year in Solano County. Ms. 
Guevara is a tireless advocate for the rights and needs of homeless 
individuals in Vallejo, California.
  Ms. Guevara has spent much of her life in California, and attended 
Solano Community College, Napa Valley College, and St. Mary's College 
of California. From volunteering with Filipino American Social Services 
to serving as a board member for Vallejo Community Access Television, 
Ms. Guevara has dedicated her time to causes close to her heart. She 
also enjoys volunteering in her faith community as a religious 
education teacher at St. Basil the Great.
  In 2010, Ms. Guevara founded Vallejo Together, a group of dedicated 
volunteers, to address the unmet needs of homeless people in her 
community. Vallejo Together provides many services, including serving 
meals, connecting individuals to resources, and sponsoring events such 
as a ``Youth and Parent Expo'' and ``Unity Day'' to celebrate Vallejo's 
diversity and families. The volunteer group aims to empower those in 
need to become self-sufficient so they can enjoy an independent and 
fulfilling life.
  Mr. Speaker, Maria Guevara selflessly spends her time and energy 
caring for others in our community. Everyone Ms. Guevara works with 
enjoys her warm and compassionate nature, and Vallejo continues to 
benefit from her inspiring dedication to service. For this reason, it 
is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

                          ____________________