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




                        HONORING JASMINE PALMER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Jasmine Palmer whom I have named the 2023 Woman of the Year for Sonoma 
County because of her service to our community. Woman of the Year 
recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 
4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional 
Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.
  Ms. Palmer was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and grew up in 
Sonoma County where she still lives today with her two daughters. She 
is a distinguished community member who has worked tirelessly to 
improve the lives of vulnerable populations in our community.
  Ms. Palmer has developed numerous programs to enrich the community, 
such as Art in the Park for our Unhoused Neighbors and the annual 
Breakfast Burrito Feed, both of which support at-risk populations with 
food and care packages. She has been involved in community projects for 
the past ten years, supporting incarcerated and unhoused individuals, 
and facilitating educational support groups for those dealing with 
these issues. Jasmine is committed to bringing more compassion and 
kindness into the world, as she knows first-hand the impact it can have 
on someone's life.
  Last July, a major Residential Treatment Facility in Sonoma County 
called Athena House, was threatened with closure. Athena House provides 
housing and care for women and children who struggle with substance 
use. With its closure, the home's residents were at risk of losing 
their housing and medical treatment entirely. After hearing this news, 
Ms. Palmer, having been a part of the Athena House program, and her 
counterpart Brooke Igleheart Ross worked tirelessly to save this vital 
treatment center. They dedicated themselves to informing the community 
of how devastating the loss would be for those who need treatment, 
while also raising money to buy the property. Before the facility 
closed, they were able to help secure the funding, that made it 
possible to not only keep but also expand and enhance the program by 
partnering with Buckelew Programs.
  Ms. Palmer is a tenacious and loyal community member who has been a 
fierce advocate for the needs of those struggling with substance abuse. 
Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her here today as Sonoma 
County's 2023 Woman of the Year.

                          ____________________