[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 13, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E419-E420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING KIMBERLY GODDING BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions that Ms. Kimberly Godding Brooks has made to our 
community through her volunteerism. Since 2008, 17 years, Kimberly 
Godding Brooks has volunteered her time and talents to support Friends 
of Citrus and the Nature Coast Grief Services for children. Kimberly 
started as a Volunteer Coordinator, for Camp Good/Teen Encounter, a 
grief support camp for kids and teens who have experienced a loss. 
Trained volunteers provide therapeutic activities, in a camp setting, 
and help children share their stories with peers, whereby strengthening 
their ability to cope. Kimberly was Branch Manager with a local bank 
which donated backpacks to all campers. When Kimberly married Robert 
Brooks, she quickly recruited him to become a Camp Volunteer. Kimberly 
and Robert use ``Lifelines'', an exercise using strings and dark 
glasses, that block vision, to help children build self-confidence and 
``find their way''. When Kimberly's mom, Lynn Godding, moved to our 
area, Kimberly quickly recruited her as a volunteer for the camp 
``kitchen team.'' In 2018, Kimberly and Robert's daughter Coral was 
born. She began attending volunteer events, meetings, workshops and 
camps with her parents. Coral became an official volunteer at age 6 and 
serves as a role model for other camp kids. She participates in local 
fundraising activities. Kimberly is still employed as a bank Branch 
Manager. She serves on the organization's Advisory Board, actively 
participates in fundraising activities and continues to advocate for 
Camp Good Hope/Teen Encounter and other grief

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support services in our community, along with her husband, mom and, of 
course, Coral. Volunteering has become a Godding/Brooks ``family 
affair''! Kimberly is truly an example of an outstanding volunteer and 
a Hero in our Community.
  It is clear that Kimberly Godding Brooks has made a profoundly 
positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service. 
May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and 
humility.

                          ____________________