[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 130 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E804-E805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING PATTEE COLVIN AS A 28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 26, 2021

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History 
Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and 
sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to 
outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional 
District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Pattee Colvin 
in the Sunland neighborhood area of Los Angeles, California.
  Pattee is the founder of Making It Happen, a food and clothing pantry 
in Sunland whose mission is to help those in need.
  Ms. Colvin's motivation for founding Making It Happen is truly 
inspiring. Pattee worked for a local business for many years, but in 
1999, when she became disabled, she lost her job and home. For several 
years, Pattee lived outdoors in the rugged Sunland-Tujunga ``wash'' 
while also maintaining a job at a local answering service company. As a 
member of the Chapel of the Hills Church in Sunland since 2002 who 
lived off the food provided from the church's hot meal program, in 
2007, Pattee's life truly turned around, in large part due to the 
church. She enrolled in the church's Christian Sobriety Program, a 
program that she subsequently ran for several years and found new 
employment at Suzuki Insurance Company, a local business where she 
currently works. Homeless for many years, Pattee bought her own mobile 
home in Sunland in 2015.
  In 2013, Ms. Colvin created Making It Happen located at the Chapel of 
the Hills Church in Sunland. Since its inception, Making It Happen has 
expanded to include housing assistance and free health clinics. In 
addition, the non-profit participates in events focused on community 
assistance, such as the Homeless Connect Days, and supports Sunland-
Tujunga schools by sponsoring Back-to-School events and a Family 
Christmas Celebration for the homeless and underserved children.
  When the coronavirus pandemic began, there was an enormous increase 
in demand for food and meals, and their Saturday food pantry attendance 
grew from about 60 individuals and their families to almost 200 
individuals and their families. At the height of the pandemic, their 
Sunday Hot Meal program increased from 75 people to 200 people. 
Stepping up to the challenge, the organization began offering a weekday 
lunch program, which included meal deliveries, and in response to 
COVID-19 safety protocols, changed the manner in which they serve the 
needy; from a walk-through pantry and seated dinners to a drive-through 
and delivery.
  Along with giving back to the community through Making It Happen, 
Pattee enjoys

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spending time with her daughter, family, and friends.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this 
exceptional, well-respected woman of California's 28th Congressional 
District, Pattee Colvin.

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