[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 178 (Monday, October 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING DARLETTA BERRY-JOHNSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE IVINS 
                            OUTREACH CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 30, 2023

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
outstanding constituent from my district, Darletta Berry-Johnson--the 
founding and only Executive Director of the Ivins Outreach Center, 
headquartered in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. In 2023, Ivins is 
celebrating its twentieth anniversary in operation. The mission of 
Ivins ``strives to improve the quality of life for those within our 
neighboring communities, providing opportunities for them to be 
healthy, confident, connected, and secure, regardless of age, income, 
or background.'' Their goal is ``to create a community that is 
stronger, healthier, more involved, more generous, and more accepting 
of others.''
  Darletta has been the driving force and inspiration of Ivins' far-
reaching success in making a significant difference in the lives of 
tens of thousands of individuals, young and old alike, in, around, and 
beyond Bucks County--an area I proudly serve and represent. In 
supervising and leading a small group of dedicated part-time staff 
members and scores of community volunteers, a sampling of Darletta's 
efforts has resulted in:
  Services to senior citizens such as Ivins' Staying Put and Home Share 
programs that enable folks to remain in their homes despite illness, 
disabilities, food insecurities, safety concerns, lack of 
transportation, and a host of other physical and social issues.
  Services to an annual enrollment of upwards of 3,000 youth through 
oversight and administration of 21st Community Learning Center Grants 
that provide after-school social and academic support, and summer 
employment and enrichment camps for students in the school districts of 
Morrisville Borough, Bristol Borough, Bensalem Township, Bucks County 
Technical High School, and the non-public Holy Trinity, St. Marks, and 
St. Ephrem elementary schools, and Conwell-Egan High School.
  Covid Relief through Darletta's collaboration with the United Way, 
Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce, area grocery stores, houses of 
worship, and local law enforcement agencies in providing meals for 
families and individuals in addressing grocery shopping, transportation 
needs, providing holiday experiences for the less fortunate of all 
ages, and shelter for the young, the homeless, the abused, and senior 
citizens.
  Coordinating efforts to support law enforcement agencies by securing 
a COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grant through the United 
States Department of Justice for the Borough of Morrisville; successful 
submission of COPS grant applications for Falls Township and Bensalem 
Township police departments; and a submitted application along with the 
Bristol Borough Police Department to fund a School Safety Officer.
  Leadership roles have included, but not limited to: Pennsylvania 
Department of Education Advisory Board, Bucks County Children & Youth 
Advisory Board, Established Morrisville Education Foundation, 
Morrisville Collaborative, Lower Bucks Family YMCA Board of Directors, 
G.A.G.E. Gang Awareness, Communities That Care Consortium, Academic 
Oversight Committee for Bristol Borough, Bensalem School District 
Diversity Committee, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School Diversity, 
Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
  Finally, given Darletta Berry-Johnson's record of achievements, she 
is the recipient of the Women Business Leaders in Bucks County award 
presented by the Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce; and the Women for 
Women and Women Who Make a Difference awards presented by the Bucks 
County YWCA.
  We are incredibly grateful for the impact Darletta Berry-Johnson has 
had through her long, distinguished career at the Ivins Outreach Center 
and wish for her continued success as she continues to serve our 
community.

                          ____________________