[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 193 (Wednesday, December 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1537-E1538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING SISTER PAULETTE LoMONACO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 4, 2019

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Sister Paulette 
LoMonaco, a cherished public servant and respected New York leader. 
Sister Paulette has dedicated her life to helping the vulnerable 
children, youth and families of New York City, most recently as the 
executive director of Good Shepherd Services. As she retires this year, 
I wanted to pay homage to the work she has accomplished on behalf of so 
many New Yorkers.
  Sister Paulette was Good Shepherd Services' longest serving executive 
director, holding the position for 37 years and serving the agency for 
a total of 50 years. Under Paulette's leadership, Good Shepherd 
Services transformed from a small provider of out-of-home care for 
vulnerable girls into one of the largest youth social services agencies 
in New York City. Today, the agency works with 30,000 children, youth 
and families annually as well as informs policy debates and innovative 
models concerning youth outcomes within New York City and beyond.
  Notably, Sister Paulette's unwavering commitment to the welfare of 
children and families has led to prominence and respect with city and 
state leadership. In fact, Sister Paulette fearlessly engaged with 
mayors and the archdiocese, fighting for accountability on social 
issues and, ultimately, modernizing New York City's conception of a nun 
in the 21st century.

[[Page E1538]]

  For her efforts to expand opportunities for nontraditional education 
and support disconnected families, Sister Paulette has been honored by 
countless organizations. Not only was she selected by City & State as 
one of New York's 50 Over 50 and Power 100, but also as a recipient for 
the Lewis Hine Award and Robin Hood Hero Award. During her tenure at 
Good Shepherd Services, the agency received The New York Times' Company 
Excellence Award in 2007 and Crain's Best Place to Work in 2014 Award. 
Sister Paulette also pioneered the city's first ever transfer school in 
partnership with the New York City Department of Education and helped 
reshape the city's foster care system.
  Madam Speaker, the people of New York owe a debt of gratitude to 
Sister Paulette for her years of service. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in saluting her as she moves on to her next phase of life. I wish 
her and her family all the best and thank her for all she has done for 
New York's youth.

                          ____________________