[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 191 (Friday, November 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING COLETTE'S CHILDREN'S HOME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 17, 2023

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
exceptional efforts of an extraordinary organization, Colette's 
Children's Home (CCH). With a remarkable history spanning over 25 
years, CCH has been at the forefront of providing crucial homeless 
housing intervention programs and supportive services to over 6,000 
homeless women and children in Orange County.
  Founded by William O'Connell and his daughter Colette O'Connell, CCH 
originated as a grassroots organization in response to the pressing 
need for housing and supportive services for homeless women and 
children. CCH has now expanded to own and operate 21 emergency, 
transitional, and permanent housing sites across multiple cities, 
including Anaheim, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, and 
Placentia.
  CCH's mission is to provide homeless single women and homeless 
mothers with children a safe and nurturing environment, offering 
compassionate support and services necessary for achieving self-
sufficiency. As of January 2023, CCH has demonstrated its commitment by 
providing shelter and support for up to 400 homeless single women, 
homeless mothers and children, and low-income individuals at any given 
time.
  The impact of CCH extends beyond housing, encompassing life skills 
classes, job search support, resource referrals, and access to 
computers for job leads. Financial stability is emphasized, with 
clients encouraged to establish budgets and savings plans. The 
organization's commitment to increased self-determination and self-
sufficiency is made further evident by the weekly life skills classes 
addressing parenting, job skills, financial management, and substance 
abuse prevention.
  Notably, last year, the organization achieved significant milestones, 
including 94 women obtaining/sustaining full-time employment, 130 women 
and children transitioning to permanent housing, 26 mothers reunified 
with 51 children, and $171,679.10 deposited into the Client Savings 
Program.
  Through their unwavering dedication, CCH has not only transformed 
individual lives but has also made a lasting positive impact on the 
community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Colette's 
Children's Home remarkable achievements.

                          ____________________