[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 103 (Monday, June 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING KRYSTAL HAMLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
tenacious and ambitious community advocate, Ms. Krystal Hamlin.
  Krystal has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and 
a desire to serve others. Krystal is a native of Vicksburg, MS. She 
graduated from Alcorn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of 
Arts in Social Work; and obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work from 
the University of New England. Krystal strives daily to live by this 
motto: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who 
strengthens me.
  Krystal has worked as a Mental Health Therapist with Medgar Evers 
Home Solution and she worked in several advocacy roles with the 
Vicksburg Child Abuse Prevention Center. Krystal has provided court 
advocacy services to numerous victims of domestic violence locally and 
surrounding areas throughout the state of Mississippi. Krystal has 
served as an interim counselor at Haven House Family Shelter, where she 
provided individual and group counseling to residents and transitional 
residents. In 2017 and 2018, she collaborated with the Vicksburg Police 
Department (``Beverly Prentiss' Victims' Empowerment Program'') to 
educate members of the community. In 2019, Krystal helped organize a 
community event ``Taking Steps against Domestic Violence,'' that 
brought awareness to domestic violence related issues in Warren County, 
where over one hundred participants were present. Also, she has been a 
panelist in several domestic violence related discussions.
  Krystal Hamlin currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the 
Haven House Family Shelter. Throughout the past 4\1/2\ years she has 
assisted numerous victims of domestic violence obtain protection 
orders, file charges against abusers and most importantly, she has 
dedicated a considerable amount of time advocating for victims. Krystal 
has passionately advocated for laws at the MS State Capitol, in turn MS 
House Bill 1386 and MS Senate Bill 2680 were both passed into law. She 
has provided training to faith base leaders and its members, local 
Head-Start Centers, Warren County Youth court and Department of Human 
Services staff. Most recently, she was a presenter at the 15th Annual 
Guardian Ad Litem training; her topic of discussion was ``Understanding 
Domestic Violence and the effects it has on Victims and Children.'' 
Krystal facilitates the Community Coordinated Response Team in Warren 
County.
  Krystal received the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence 
(MCADV) 2021 Outstanding Service to Crime Victims Award presented by 
Attorney General's Office.
  She loves life and helping others see the power they possess. Krystal 
loves spending a great deal of time with her 3-year-old son, Larry.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. 
Krystal Hamlin for her passion and dedication to others and desire to 
make a difference in the community.

                          ____________________