[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING KAY RUHSTALLER'S EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOSH HARDER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2026

  Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor the extraordinary career of Kay Ruhstaller, Chief Executive 
Officer of the Family Resource Center in San Joaquin County. After more 
than three decades of transformational leadership, fearless advocacy, 
and unwavering commitment to children and families, Kay leaves behind a 
legacy that has strengthened countless lives across the Central Valley.
  As Chief Executive Officer of the Family Resource Center, Kay has led 
one of San Joaquin County's largest nonprofit organizations, stewarding 
a budget of more than $100 million and serving over 8,000 children each 
year. Under her guidance, the Family Resource Center became a statewide 
model for innovative, equity-driven, and collaborative approaches to 
strengthening families and supporting children.
  Kay's leadership has always been rooted in the belief that children 
and families are the foundation of a healthy community and that 
diversity is San Joaquin County's greatest strength. She advocated 
against cuts to SNAP and Medicare, expanded access to early learning 
opportunities, championed youth voice through the Teen IMPACT Center, 
and co-founded the San Joaquin Children's Alliance, helping secure more 
than $5 million in mental health funding for families following the 
pandemic.
  A leader who consistently turned insight into action, Kay helped 
establish 211 San Joaquin, which now supports more than 500,000 
residents annually, strengthened trauma-informed services at the Family 
Justice Center, and oversaw the delivery of more than 4 million healthy 
meals to children. Her leadership also extended statewide through 
service on the First 5 San Joaquin Commission and the California Early 
Childhood Policy Council. In 2023, as the 13th female President of the 
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, she elevated childcare as a 
workforce priority and strengthened partnerships across the region.
  At the heart of Kay's leadership is her dedication to lifting others, 
especially women. She is widely recognized as a generous mentor whose 
authenticity and steady guidance have helped emerging leaders find 
their voice and step into leadership roles. In recognition of her 
extraordinary service and impact, Kay received the 2025 ATHENA Award 
from the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kay Ruhstaller for her 
remarkable career and steadfast dedication to the people of San Joaquin 
County, and in wishing her all the best in her well-earned retirement.

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