[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  HONORING CARLOS AND ELIZABETH MUNOZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JUAN VARGAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 20, 2026

  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two outstanding 
members of our community, Carlos and Elizabeth Munoz, as our 
Constituents of the Month.
  Carlos and Elizabeth are the founders of Jr's Trauma Care Initiative, 
a non-profit organization that connects individuals and families to 
mental health services. Jr's Trauma Care Initiative also provides 
critical outreach initiatives, including a mentorship for at-risk 
youth, camps to help children develop the skills they need to thrive, 
and response teams that provide peer-to-peer support and guidance to 
communities in the wake of a traumatic event.
  Carlos and Elizabeth opened Jr's Trauma Care Initiative in memory of 
their son, Juan Carlos Munoz, Jr., who was killed in a random act of 
violence in 2015. He was an eighteen-year-old with a bright future. He 
aspired to become a mental health professional and help others.
  After his death, his family found that services were not easily 
available. They created Jr's Trauma Care Initiative to be part of the 
solution and ensure that families and individuals seeking support and 
care have access to the resources they need.
  Carlos and Elizabeth have made a lasting impact on our communities 
through their tireless work to connect individuals with trauma-informed 
care, mental health resources, mentoring programs, and a safe space to 
process, heal, and grow. They have made California's 52nd Congressional 
District stronger and touched so many lives.
  It is a privilege to recognize Carlos and Elizabeth Munoz's service 
to our community as well as honor the life and legacy of their son, 
Juan Carlos Munoz, Jr. He will always be remembered.

                          ____________________