[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 30845]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING LA'VERA ETHRIDGE-WILLIAMS, AS THE 2007 TRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY 
    HEALTH CHAMPIONS HONOREE BY THE WEST FRESNO HEALTHCARE COALITION

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 9, 2007

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate La'Vera 
Ethridge-Williams of Fresno, California, for being named a 2007 Honoree 
at the West Fresno Healthcare Coalition's Tribute to Health Champions 
reception. As a principal advocate for childcare in Fresno County, 
La'Vera is a woman of great vision, and is certainly most deserving of 
this honor.
  Born in Boley, Oklahoma, La'Vera moved to Fresno, where she attended 
Fresno City College, and then California State University, Fresno. 
Recognizing the need for a child care facility in West Fresno she 
submitted a proposal to the California Department of Health and 
Welfare. After 4 long years, her dream became a reality when her first 
private child care center designed specifically for infants was 
inaugurated.
  La'Vera opened a chain of daycare centers geared to the education of 
young children, providing not only a service to the community, but also 
employment opportunities for West Fresno residents. Mrs. Ethridge-
Williams' emphasis has always been on the health, nutrition, and 
education of children. Her involvement in the health arena has also led 
her to become one of the founding members of the Sickle Cell Support 
Group in Fresno, California.
  La'Vera Ethridge Williams is a woman of great principle and 
integrity. She is a role model for all of us, especially those in the 
childcare industry. I have known La'Vera and her family for years and 
know they care deeply and contribute daily to make our Valley a better 
place to live. It is with great pride that I congratulate her for all 
that she does on behalf of the West Fresno community and for receiving 
this distinguished award.

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