[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 156 (Thursday, September 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING COMMUNITY CHAMPION ELIZABETH LAMPKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2018

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize one 
of my constituents from Western Pennsylvania, Mrs. Elizabeth Lampkins. 
Elizabeth has been employed with the Shenango Valley Urban League since 
1974 and has served as the director of the Woman, Infants, and Children 
program (WIC) since 1978. Elizabeth has spent the past 44 years 
selflessly serving others and building a legacy that is absolutely 
admirable. Although her successful career is coming to an end as 
Elizabeth is retiring, her efforts will continue to benefit the 
community for years to come.
  Elizabeth is the beloved widow of Marion Lampkins, as well as a proud 
mother of three and a doting grandmother to five. In 1961, Elizabeth 
graduated from Choffin School of Practical Nursing and received 
additional certification from St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, 
Ohio. In 1974, following a life-threatening illness, Elizabeth began 
volunteering at the former Community Medical Education & Screening 
Center in order to help them create a program to address Sickle Cell.
  After just one month of volunteering, Elizabeth was hired as a 
secretary and from that point forward she continuously advanced the 
program and her career. Elizabeth worked her way up from volunteer to 
secretary to counselor to coordinator and, ultimately, all the way to 
director. Being appointed as the Director of the WIC & Sickle Cell 
program was the start of the most rewarding endeavor of Elizabeth's 
career. She proudly took on the leadership role and always maintained 
her focus on ``service first,'' which earned respect and admiration 
from colleagues at the Shenango Valley Urban League.
  The Shenango Valley Urban League, which is proudly celebrating their 
50th anniversary, is an organization that welcomes, empowers, and 
encourages all citizens and provides vital services to those in need. 
Elizabeth is the oldest employee at the Shenango Valley Urban League in 
both age and tenure, and she has proudly served under every Executive 
Director or President since the inception of the organization. 
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has worked tirelessly to advance the 
WIC program and ensure it continues to prosper and provide. In every 
role, in every effort, Elizabeth has displayed unparalleled integrity, 
dignity, and strength.
  In addition to her loyalty to the WIC program, Elizabeth has actively 
participated in various civic organizations and advisory boards, making 
community service an integral part of her life. Elizabeth's expertise 
and participation has been beneficial to the following: Prince of Peace 
Center, Teen Parenting Advisory Board, United Way Budget Panel, 
Minority Health Advocacy Committee, Pennsylvania WIC Association, 
Mercer County Children & Youth Services, Mercer County Family Centers, 
and Mercer County Comprehensive Health Planning Council.
  Due to her noteworthy accomplishments, Elizabeth has been honored by 
many, including the Shenango Valley Urban League, National Urban 
League, Pennsylvania Association of WIC Directors, Pennsylvania 
Department of Health, and the Shenango Valley Women's Auxiliary. 
Furthermore, Elizabeth is an active member of the Second Baptist Church 
in Sharpsville where she has participated in various committees, 
choirs, circles, and also served as financial secretary and Sunday 
school treasurer. In every role, in every effort, Elizabeth has been an 
exemplary public servant and leader.
  Elizabeth has been a catalyst for improvement throughout the 
community and her passion and dedication deserves praise. She is a 
leader in the truest sense of the word and a role model for those who 
are privileged to know her. Elizabeth has set a standard of excellence 
and generosity that will inspire others for generations to come and it 
is my honor to congratulate her on a distinguished career and a well-
earned retirement.
  Therefore, on behalf of the 3rd Congressional District, the State of 
Pennsylvania, and this nation, I would like to express sincere 
gratitude and appreciation to Elizabeth Lampkins--an extraordinary 
individual, a noble public servant, and a true Community Champion.

                          ____________________