[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 26 (Tuesday, February 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE LOUDOUN ABUSED WOMEN'S SHELTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to use this time to 
recognize a local non-profit organization in Virginia's 10th 
Congressional District that has strengthened our Loudoun community for 
over 30 years by helping families in need. The Loudoun Abused Women's 
Shelter (LAWS), founded in 1984 under the name Loudoun Citizens for 
Social Justice, Inc., opened as a shelter where women and children 
fleeing domestic violence could find refuge. Since then, LAWS has grown 
immensely and now provides a plethora of different services to victims 
of sexual and domestic violence.
  Aside from providing emergency shelter, LAWS now also offers 
counseling, a 24-hour hotline, legal services, support groups, 
community outreach, and even operates a thrift store in Leesburg called 
the Resourceful Woman. LAWS now has 30 employees, 75 volunteers, and a 
diverse Board of Directors, led by my constituent Nicole Acosta, from 
Purcellville, Virginia, all dedicated to eliminating personal and 
societal violence. Ms. Acosta started as a volunteer many years ago and 
her vision and dedication led to her employment by the organization in 
2012 as the Executive Director. Since joining the board, she has 
championed efforts to not only expand the organization but also enhance 
its governance and oversight operations to the great benefit of Loudoun 
County.
  In 1984, three women founded LAWS with a total of $3,000 of 
donations, but today the organization, hosting several annual 
fundraisers and events, has morphed into a multi-million dollar non-
profit. One reoccurring event which has garnered a great deal of 
popularity as a result of diligent staff and volunteering planning is 
the yearly Martini Matters event. It is fun, forward thinking community 
events, like Martini Matters, that have helped the organization thrive 
tremendously over the years.
  Each year LAWS helps over 1,000 women and children lead better lives 
without fear and anxiety through their various services, and I am 
grateful to have such a prominent and resourceful organization in the 
10th district. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
applauding LAWS for its dedication to serving our community for so many 
years. I wish Ms. Acosta and the entire organization the best in their 
future endeavors.

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