[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 152 (Thursday, September 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF BARBARA NIESS-MAY FOR 15 YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE 
                          AT SAFEHOUSE CENTER

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barbara Niess-
May for her 15 years of service at SafeHouse Center in Washtenaw 
County. As Executive Director of SafeHouse Center, Mrs. Niess-May's 
leadership and expertise have impacted countless lives and greatly 
enhanced the Center's programming capabilities.
  SafeHouse Center first opened its doors in 1978 with the hope of 
providing leadership and support for survivors of sexual assault and 
domestic violence in Washtenaw County. The organization's founding 
mission has endured throughout the years, and SafeHouse has been able 
to expand its services through popular public support and a 1992 
millage that funded a new facility with increased boarding capacity. 
Today, due to the Center's new location, over 5,500 women and children 
are served out of the shelter every year.
  Since joining SafeHouse as Executive Director in 2002, Mrs. Niess-May 
has overseen the agency's daily operations and is critical to the 
continued growth and success of the organization. She has advocated for 
survivors and implemented programs to help both women and children get 
back on their feet by finding safe and affordable housing, employment, 
and childcare. Successful SafeHouse programs include a children's 
playroom, Teen Voice Peer Education at local schools, and four 
different onsite support groups. Additionally, Mrs. Niess-May works as 
an adjunct faculty member at Eastern Michigan University's School of 
Social Work and Graduate School of Criminology, bringing her real world 
experience to the classroom and educating the next generation of social 
workers. She has saved many lives, been a shelter for those desperate 
for a hand, and is a leader in changing the dialogue on domestic abuse. 
It is my hope that Mrs. Niess-May continues to advocate on behalf of 
domestic violence survivors and build on her lifetime of distinguished 
work supporting women and children.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Barbara 
Niess-May for 15 years of outstanding service at SafeHouse Center. Her 
tenure at SafeHouse has greatly contributed to the organization's 
ability to provide important services and support to women in need.

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