[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING ERIN BELL AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a tireless 
advocate for the refugee community, Ms. Erin Bell, as Iowan of the 
Week.
  Erin runs the non-profit organization ``Des Moines Refugee Support'' 
based in Des Moines and the metro area. Erin is known as someone who 
has a big heart and an even bigger vision for supporting thousands of 
refugees in central Iowa. Des Moines Refugee Support strives to serve 
as a voice, friend, and mentor for all refugees as they make a new home 
in Iowa. Their focus as an organization is on empowerment, and they 
strive to address shared issues and work together to uplift all 
communities.
  Upon arrival in the United States, refugee families receive about 90 
days of assistance from a caseworker to help them learn about their new 
home. That's not much time when there's so much to learn. Erin's goal 
is to fill the gaps when refugees arrive in Iowa.
  One of the programs designed to help fill the gaps is their youth 
soccer sponsorship program. Erin saw the passion for soccer among many 
of the refugee children, and knew she had to find a way to bring their 
dream of playing organized soccer to life. Des Moines Refugee Support 
partnered with Des Moines Soccer club to raise money through the 
nonprofit to pay for the kids' cleats, shin guards, registration fees 
and other items associated with playing an organized sport. This has 
allowed the kids that are brand new to Iowa an opportunity to make new 
friends, get involved in their community, and of course play soccer.
  Advocates like Erin, and organizations like Des Moines Refugee 
Support, are what makes our Iowa communities across the state such 
great places to live. I will always fight in Congress to be a voice for 
refugees, and to ensure Iowa is a welcoming place. It is my pleasure to 
name Erin Bell as Iowan of the Week.

                          ____________________