[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24559]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        IN HONOR OF RENAE SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Renae Smith in recognition 
of her outstanding work on behalf of children.
  Renae Smith comes from generations of those who have been involved 
and have always contributed to their community in some form or fashion. 
Throughout the years she has dedicated her time to charitable and 
volunteer work.
  She began her involvement in the community during the 1960's as a 
member of Brooklyn C.O.R.E. While working at Kingsboro Jewish Medical 
Center, in the Telecommunications Department, she served as a member of 
the Executive Hearings and Appeals Board on both Hospital and Guild 
Divisions for 1199 Hospital Union. She also served as a member of the 
Chapter Hearing and Appeals Board within the Hospital. In addition, 
Renae has served as a delegate to several departments of Kingsbrook, as 
well as, borough representative for all Brooklyn Hospitals with an 1199 
affiliation. Renae also has worked in real estate marketing and sales 
in addition to having an appraisal background from New York University.
  In 1987, Renae, became a member of Saint Mary Episcopal Church 
joining the Episcopal Church women's group and serving on the Altar 
Guild. In 1990, Renae served as the Vice President of the Crown Heights 
Kiwanis Club International. She helped focus the efforts of the club on 
the needs of children. Under Renae's guidance, the organization became 
involved with Magnolia Tree--A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Project. The 
project involved 100 international children working to improve and 
enhance the beauty by planting trees.
  Renae became a licensed Foster Parent with the Richard Allen Center 
on Life Agency in 1994. She received her twin boys in early 1996 and 
was appointed to the executive board of Foster and Adoptive Parents 
Association. Continuing to be a Foster Parent in 1996, Renae came to 
the Central Brooklyn Coordinating Council--CBCC. In 1997, Renae was 
appointed to the Executive Board for Foster and Adoptive Parents 
Association locally. Recently, Renae was appointed to serve on the By-
laws Committee, for Eureka Grand Chapter in 1998 OESPHA.
  Renae is currently an Executive Board member of the New York State 
Foster and Adoptive Parents Association as Chairperson of Community 
Development. She is a member of International and National Foster 
Parents Association and a candidate for Regional II Vice-President. 
Renae is an advisor to the Forestdale Family Service Agency, Little 
Flower Family Service Agency and Foster and Adoptive Parent Association 
Board Locals. She has facilitated many workshops on Foster and Adoptive 
Care in School District 17. Renae is also an Executive Board Member of 
Community Board 17 serving on the Education and Commerce Committees. 
She is Chair of the Foster Care Sub-committee under the Social Services 
Committees. While working tirelessly on behalf of her community, Renae 
has also raised her daughter. She has been blessed by the success of 
her daughter and her daughter's dedication to give back to the 
community in any way that she can.
  Mr. Speaker, Renae Smith is committed to serving children and her 
community. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our 
recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this 
truly remarkable woman.

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