[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING RIO VISTA CARING ACTIONS REACHING EVERYONE (CARE)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rio 
Vista Caring Actions Reaching Everyone (CARE) as the organization 
celebrates 40 years of service to the Delta community. Since 1985, CARE 
has provided critical mental health and family support services to 
children, families, and individuals across Rio Vista and other rural 
communities in our district.
  Rio Vista CARE was founded as a grassroots effort in response to a 
growing need for professional, low-cost mental health care in the 
region. Under the leadership of founding Executive Director Araminta 
Blackwelder, the organization grew into a trusted service provider, 
offering counseling, in-home visitation, mentoring, and crisis 
intervention. For over 26 years, Ms. Blackwelder guided CARE through 
economic challenges and expansion efforts, ensuring it remained a 
lifeline for families in need. In 2011, she passed the reins to Paul 
Shane, a seasoned nonprofit leader, and today the organization 
continues to thrive under the leadership of Executive Director Adriana 
Bejarano.
  In 1995, CARE established the CARE Family Resource Center, expanding 
its ability to offer wraparound support. The center helps individuals 
and families access health insurance enrollment, translation services, 
assistance with unemployment, and connections to local resources. In 
2002, CARE launched a home-visiting program to serve families in 
isolated rural areas. Today, the organization continues to offer 
school-based counseling from kindergarten through 12th grade, as well 
as individual and family therapy, grief counseling, support groups, 
crisis services, and a teen center.
  Over the last four decades, CARE has served more than 18,000 children 
and family units. Seventy percent of its current clients are children. 
For many families, CARE has become an enduring presence, with parents 
who once sought help at CARE as childien returning to the clinic with 
their own children, showing how deeply woven CARE is into the fabric of 
the community.
  Rio Vista CARE remains the Delta region's only low-cost professional 
counseling and family resource center. Its services are provided 
regardless of a client's ability to pay, ensuring accessibility for 
those who need it most. CARE's success over the past 40 years reflects 
the power of community-based service, strong leadership, and an 
unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.
  Mr. Speaker, Rio Vista CARE has stood by our community for four 
decades, helping families through their most difficult moments and 
building pathways to resilience and hope. It is fitting and proper that 
we recognize their invaluable contributions here today.

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