[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 203 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAVEN HOUSE NWI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 11, 2023

  Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration that I recognize 
Haven House Northwest Indiana (NWI) on its 40th anniversary and to 
commend its leadership team, board of directors, and dedicated staff 
for their tireless efforts on behalf of survivors of domestic violence 
throughout the Northwest Indiana region.
  Haven House NWI began after a small group of concerned citizens 
gathered at Saint Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana. Founded 
in 1983, Haven House, located in Hammond, Indiana, has remained 
steadfast in its mission to provide emergency crisis intervention and 
shelter for domestic violence victims and their children. For those in 
need of an immediate place to stay, Haven House offers 25 beds for 
women, as well as additional accommodations for those with children. 
The organization also operates an invaluable transitional house, a 
million-dollar facility that came to be through the hard work of its 
members, generosity of community donors, and the unwavering support of 
former Hammond Mayor Duane Dedelow, Jr. and current Mayor Thomas 
McDermott, Jr.
  In addition to housing, residents are provided basic necessities, 
food, and supplies while offering them a home atmosphere where they are 
responsible for cooking and household chores. The residents, as well as 
former residents, also have access to individual and group counseling 
sessions and other activities related to life skills, empowerment, and 
the arts. Additionally, with a focus on long-term stability for its 
residents, Haven House provides individualized service plans that 
assess their needs, while also assisting with safety planning, referral 
services, court advocacy and protective order applications.
  The operation of this extraordinary community resource would not be 
possible without its amazing staff and its exceptional leadership team 
which consists of Executive Director Carrie Greer, Residential Manager 
Ebony Jackson, Fiscal Manager Candace Jordan, and House Manager Luz 
Gonzalez. Haven House is also led by its dedicated board of directors: 
Board President David Gearman, Board Secretary Bernie Zemen, Terence 
Fife, Andrea Graciano, Michelle Resendez, Ashley Ward, Jenny Winker, 
and Bobbi Costa, whose lifetime of service on the board has spanned the 
organization's entire 40 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring Haven House NWI on its 40th anniversary. Through 
the years, the committed staff and leaders of Haven House have 
selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to ensure that survivors of 
domestic violence have a safe place to stay and the resources needed to 
take back their lives, and for this, these outstanding individuals are 
to be admired.

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