[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E294-E295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING KEOKI KAUANOE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN STRICKLAND

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2023

  Ms. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional 
member of the Thurston County, Washington, community. I would like to 
recognize Keoki Kauanoe and his dedication to supporting families in 
his role as Director of Father Engagement at Family Education and 
Support Services (FESS), as well as his work fighting for equity in 
Washington State.
  A South Sound-based nonprofit 501c3 orqanization, FESS is focused on 
fostering positive child development and furnishing families with 
critical child-care and parental support resources. At FESS, Keoki has 
administered programs, trainings, and support services that connect 
parents with peer mentors, provide families with diapers and other 
child-care necessities, and offer evidence-based courses that promote 
healthy parenting practices.
  Pulling from a diverse network of partner organizations across 
Washington State, FESS seeks to educate families and ensure healthy 
outcomes through community trainings. Among the many impactful 
community trainings offered by FESS is the Q.P.R. Suicide Prevention 
course, which gives individuals the tools that they need to identify 
warning signs and help those in crisis.
  Aside from his work with FESS, Keoki sits on the board of the Equity 
in Education Coalition, which works to help close the opportunity gap 
for minority communities in Washington State, and serves on the 
Thurston County DEI Committee. Additionally, he is a member of

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the State's Department for Children, Youth and Families Citizens Review 
Panel, which develops and recommends actions aimed at protecting youth 
and preserving families.
  I am proud to shine a spotlight on such a fierce advocate for youth, 
students, and families here in our South Sound community.

                          ____________________