[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E591-E592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN GIVING BACK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to use this time to 
recognize the 10th Anniversary of Women Giving Back, a local non-profit 
organization in Virginia's 10th District dedicated to helping women and 
children less fortunate. Women Giving Back focuses on providing 
homeless women and children in crisis with appropriate clothing to 
boost their confidence and self-esteem as they attempt to enter the 
workforce or fit in at school. On the second Saturday of each month, 
the Women Giving Back store, in Sterling, Virginia, opens its doors to 
hundreds of homeless women and children, allowing them to shop from its 
donated collection completely free of charge.
  Women Giving Back was founded in 2007 as a program of HomeAid NoVA, a 
non-profit that, since 2001, has completed over 100 projects, building 
and renovating housing and shelter facilities across Northern Virginia. 
In 2015, Women Giving Back established their own non-profit, separating 
from HomeAid NoVA, however the two organizations still work together, 
helping thousands receive both clothing and shelter each year.
  Since its inception, Women Giving Back has distributed over 500,000 
items to more than 23,000 women and 15,300 children from over 100 
shelters across Northern Virginia. Today, potential shoppers work with 
case managers at Women Giving Back to determine their eligibility and 
schedule times to shop, and once they are approved, qualified shoppers 
can obtain up to 50 clothing items per month. To support this large-
scale monthly program, throughout the year staff and volunteers sort 
clothing, coordinate clothing drives, conduct community outreach, and 
fundraise. The arduous process, which the staff and volunteers 
undertake to serve the shoppers, is a true testament to the generosity, 
hard work, and dedication of the volunteers and staff at Women Giving 
Back.
  One annual fundraiser that has garnered a great deal of popularity 
and community involvement is the Cinco De Mayo event, which helps the 
organization sustain its store program throughout the year. It is 
entertaining, forward thinking, community events, like the Cinco De 
Mayo event, that have helped the organization thrive and maintain its 
strong presence in our community for the past 10 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing the 10th 
Anniversary of Women Giving Back and in thanking them for their 
commitment and service to our community. The efforts and contributions 
from the staff, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and our community are 
truly exemplary, and I wish them all the best in their future 
endeavors.

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