[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 10, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6533-S6534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MELISSA APPLETON

  Mr. WELCH. Mr. President, today I am proud to celebrate Melissa 
Appleton, a true champion for children, families, and the future of 
post-permanency support. As a leader in the Post-Permanency Program at 
Lund, Melissa's impact on the lives of children and families in Vermont 
is truly unmatched.
  With nearly two decades of experience providing exceptional post-
permanency services, Melissa brings a rare combination of clinical 
expertise, ethical leadership, and compassionate advocacy to her work 
as Lund's post-permanency services coordinator. Her initiative, 
insight, and deep commitment to family-centered practices ensure that 
the Lund Post-Permanency Program remains a model of excellence.
  Vermonters praise Melissa for the support and empowerment she 
provides. For that reason alone, she is a wonderful nominee for the 
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's Angels in Adoption 
honor. But it is also Melissa's extraordinary commitment to empowering 
diversity and inclusion through her work and at the recommendation of 
those who have witnessed her dedication that I submit her name for this 
honor today. Under Melissa's value-driven guidance, staff are 
encouraged to grow, reflect, and lead.
  Melissa's tireless commitment to making life better for children in 
need is further evident in her advocacy to secure additional funding 
and support for the post-permanency programs in Vermont. She played an 
instrumental role in writing and securing a grant that will bring a 
dedicated clinician into the program to support children and families.
  Vermonters like Melissa Appleton are at the heart of what makes our 
State so special and such a wonderful place to grow up and raise a 
family. She has truly raised the bar for what it

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means to be a leader in providing exceptional post-permanency services. 
I cannot imagine a more qualified or more deserving individual to 
receive this year's Congressional Angel in Adoption Award on behalf of 
Vermont.

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