[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 48 (Thursday, March 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E308-E309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING CAROL MERNA AS CENTRAL ILLINOIS' WOMAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 2020

  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Carol Merna, CEO 
for the Center of Prevention of Abuse (CFPA) in Peoria, IL, for being 
recognized as Central Illinois' Woman of the Year.
  As the CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse, Carol has led 
Illinois' efforts for education and prevention of human trafficking, 
domestic violence, and abuse. During her time with the CFPA, Carol and 
the CFPA team have provided survivors more than 9,000 nights in safe 
shelters while also reaching over 35,000 Illinois students with 
prevention education. Carol's work with the CFPA has helped changed the 
fundamental attitudes of society and institutions so that violence and 
abuse are never promoted, tolerated, or condoned. With over three 
decades of community and philanthropic experience, Carol's boundless 
devotion to the promotion of the well-being of thousands of central 
Illinoisans has enhanced and bettered the lives of those men and women.
  Carol's commitment to the Peoria community and central Illinois is 
unmatched. Her

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dedication to human services is not limited to just the CFPA. She 
serves on the Board for the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute 
and the Dirksen Congressional Center. She also served the public in the 
18th congressional district for two decades. Additionally, Merna is a 
member of the Peoria Rotary Club, Illinois Human Services Partnership, 
and serves on numerous committees, like the Peoria Chamber of Commerce 
Government Affairs Committee. Building community and investing in 
Central Illinois, large or small, has long been a passion for Carol.
  Our community has greatly benefited from the hard work and leadership 
of Carol Merna. I extend my sincere congratulations to her on being 
recognized as Central Illinois' Woman of the Year. I wish her much 
success as she continues to lead a life of service to the Peoria 
community and central Illinois.

                          ____________________