[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 177 (Friday, October 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ESHAWN PETERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 16, 2020

  Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the invaluable 
contributions of Eshawn Peterson to the state of Arizona. As a champion 
for children and young adults, Ms. Peterson's storied career has 
bolstered the ladders of opportunity and equality for countless 
Arizonans across the state, and her lifetime achievement deserves to be 
forever etched in our historical record for all to remember.
  For her tireless dedication to Arizona families, Ms. Peterson was one 
of the few who were recognized as a 2020 Angels in Adoption by the 
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). Founded in 2001, 
CCAI aims to ensure that every child experiences the support of a 
caring family. Each year, CCAI selects a handful of exceptional 
individuals, families, or organizations across the nation to receive 
the honor of Angels in Adoption. These honorees have gone above and 
beyond to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to improving the 
lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes. Ms. Peterson has 
made a personal pledge to spend her life giving more Arizona children a 
chance at finding a family who can give them the loving childhood she 
almost never had.
  Growing up, Ms. Peterson spent eight years in our state's foster care 
system, separated from her six siblings. Her experiences fortified her 
strength, courage and faith. It also pushed her and her sister Jackie 
Phillips to create Onward Hope, Inc., a foster care and adoption agency 
that's rooted in her belief that every child should have a safe home 
and a loving family. For five years and counting, Ms. Peterson's 
organization has empowered children with a sense of strength and 
resiliency and help them successfully transition into the fulfilling 
life they deserve through mentoring, workshops and coaching. Her work 
so far has left an immeasurable mark on our state and its children.
  Madam Speaker, I am privileged to recognize Eshawn Peterson for all 
the work she has done in communities across Arizona. My state is truly 
fortunate to have her working to improve the life of every child. I 
wish her the best as she continues her work to make the dream of a 
forever family a reality for so many children in need.

                          ____________________