[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 130 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING ALYCIA BELLE 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, Alycia Belle of 
Hollywood, California.
  A compassionate leader, Alycia has selflessly devoted her time to 
organizations and programs that benefit the Hollywood community. She 
served as the Director of Development for Blessed Sacrament School, a 
Catholic School within the Jesuit tradition, which closed its doors in 
2021 after being in operation for over a century. Prior to the school's 
closure, Ms. Belle raised $941,000 for campus improvements and more 
than $3.5 million for Jesuit Education that provided scholarships to 
families in Hollywood. She cofounded and implemented a program called 
Jesuit Alumni Mass, or JAM, to engage alumni from every Jesuit 
Institution and give them the opportunity to connect while encouraging 
them to become involved with their Jesuit community in Hollywood. 
Alycia also positively impacted the lives of children from the 
Alexandria House, which offers safe housing for women and children who 
are in the process of moving to permanent housing. The organization 
holds a special place in Alycia's heart, since she was raised by a 
single mother. Under Alycia's guidance, the Blessed Sacrament community 
welcomed several children from the Alexandria House.
  Passionate about helping people and improving lives, Ms. Belle co-
founded The Urban Sanctuary, which offers a safe environment within the 
sacred space of the Blessed Sacrament Church's nave, where individuals 
experiencing homelessness may seek guidance and rest. Alycia is also 
exploring sharing this model with churches that have underused space 
and homeless visitors.
  Ms. Belle supports the Hollywood Police Activities League (PAL) and 
is grateful for their inspiring team-building programs and their 
dedication to youth. In addition to taking part in their events and 
encouraging families to participate in PAL's programs, she has hosted 
their meetings at Blessed Sacrament Church. Alycia also enjoys 
volunteering for Project Angel Food.
  When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Alycia had the whole Parish 
Community online with live streaming masses within a matter of days. 
She also supported moving The Urban Sanctuary outdoors and worked with 
the Hollywood Food Coalition to provide meals to people in need. 
Furthermore, Alycia supported the Hollywood YMCA in implementing a 
shower program for unhoused individuals.
  IN addition to her extraordinary work in the non-profit arena, Alycia 
advocates for women-owned businesses. She owns Hollywood Handy 
Construction, Inc., which is a certified Women's Business Enterprise 
(WBE). Alycia is married to her supportive husband, Jason, and together 
they have four children.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this 
exceptional, well-respected woman of California's 28th Congressional 
District, Alycia Belle.

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