[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MARYALICE CROFTON

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, the spirit of volunteerism is one of 
Maine's greatest strengths. For the past 30 years, that spirit has been 
nurtured and enhanced by Volunteer Maine Executive Director Maryalice 
Crofton, and I join people throughout our State in honoring Maryalice 
for her outstanding leadership and in wishing her all the best in her 
retirement.
  Volunteer Maine is our State's National Service Commission that 
supports AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. During Maryalice's tenure, which 
began just 1 year after those programs were launched, more than 4,200 
individuals have served as Maine volunteers, contributing more than 3.9 
million hours to support housing, education, environmental 
conservation, healthcare, childcare, and emergency preparedness efforts 
across our State. While increasing their job skills and knowledge, 
student volunteers have earned nearly $27 million in awards to further 
their educations.
  In addition to advancing the well-being of Mainers and expanding 
civic engagement, Maryalice has been an innovative leader at the 
national level helping to shape workforce development and public-
private initiatives. She has been instrumental in efforts to ensure 
that national service programs are guided by community priorities and 
local concerns.
  At an event celebrating the 30th anniversary of AmeriCorps last year, 
Maryalice described the importance of people stepping forward to 
address unmet needs in their communities with these words: ``If you're 
thinking that someone else will take care of it, that's probably not 
true. You've got to get out there.''
  With Maryalice Crofton leading the way, Maine's AmeriCorps volunteers 
have gotten out there and made a real difference. Her exceptional 
spirit of service to others will inspire volunteers for years to come.

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