[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 193 (Thursday, November 12, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S6673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO SHERIE ALLEN

 Mr. LEE. Mr. President, today I offer my recognition of the 
service of Sherie Allen to Utah mothers and children. Adopted in 
Lancaster, CA, in 1965, around 3 months of age, Sherie was raised in a 
home that frequently and openly discussed her adoption. This experience 
instilled a passion to serve those in need of love and home.
  Sherie's late husband also understood the goodwill in adoption, and 
together, they formed a family with eight children, four biological and 
four adopted. Of her four adopted children, one now lives in assisted 
living, two have graduated college with bachelor's degrees in biology, 
and the other is a high school student. Sherie and her late husband 
were also foster parents, providing love and care for many children 
before those children were placed into their forever homes and 
families.
  In February of 2019, Sherie started Ohana Beginnings where she now 
serves as CEO and executive board chair. Ohana Beginnings offers 
support for expectant mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy who choose 
to marry, place their baby for adoption, or single parent. The 
organization's Taking Flight Initiative offers services that include 
housing, food, clothing, medical care, therapeutic services, and 
academic support. This initiative is individually designed to fit the 
unique circumstances of the expectant or parenting mother to set her up 
for future success.
  This September, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute--
CCAI--honored Sherie and other outstanding individuals who have 
demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of children in need of 
permanent, loving homes. Sherie's work and dedication toward serving 
the needs of expectant mothers and children has earned her the Angels 
in Adoption Honoree award. Sherie is a powerful advocate for pro-family 
values and has committed her time, gifts, and resources to 
strengthening families, helping young mothers, and protecting babies 
through Ohana Beginnings.

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