[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13818]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE CAREER OF LINDA CHIARENZA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the distinguished 
career and legacy of service of Linda Chiarenza, who was honored for 
her professional excellence as the Executive Director of the West Side 
and Black Rock-Riverside Neighborhood Housing Services at a Retirement 
Celebration on August 26, 2015.
  In 1999, Linda was selected as the Executive Director of the West 
Side Neighborhood Housing Services (WSNHS) where she had worked as a 
Housing Specialist for 4 years. Linda immediately got to work 
rebuilding relationships with funding sources, expanding resources and 
engaging the WSNHS Board and staff to work collaboratively and 
creatively to lead this critically important non-profit agency to 
national recognition as part of the NeighborWorks network.
  This year brought an Exemplary rating for WSNHS by NeighborWorks 
America, and it is deservedly proud of its designation as a 
NeighborWorks Green Organization.
  From her first project on Shield Street to the revitalization of 
Connecticut Street to restoring a historic West Side property, Linda 
continually demonstrated dogged determination and an unshakeable 
commitment to neighborhood revitalization led by community 
stakeholders.
  Linda's devotion of time, energy and resources to support the 
community was deservedly recognized by Business First with the 2009 
Women of Influence Award and the 2007 and 2015 Woman of the Year Award 
by the West Side Business and Taxpayers Association. Her work with all 
levels of government earned her recognition as a New York State Woman 
of Distinction and the FBI Board of Directors Service Award.
  During her time with West Side Neighborhood Housing Services, Linda 
accomplished significant milestones for the organization, including a 
merger with Black Rock-Riverside Neighborhood Housing Services, leading 
to a working partnership with West Side Neighborhood Housing Services 
sharing staff and services, and now serving as lead agency for housing 
rehab throughout the city of Buffalo. On June 10th of this year, West 
Side NHS and Black Rock NHS celebrated 35 years of service and another 
milestone of achievement was acknowledged on the recognition of its 
Executive Director who will leave a community better than when she 
arrived and clearly better prepared to continue to grow and thrive each 
and every day.
  While Linda worked for the community, it is well known that her 
children and grandchildren are her world. We extend our best wishes and 
gratitude to her son John and daughter-in-law Maria, her daughter 
Nicole and son-in-law Jeff, and her seven grandchildren Vinny, Alexa, 
Johnny, Madeline, Jack, Jeff, and Addison. I am especially grateful for 
her friendship, invaluable guidance and leadership ability that led to 
remarkable growth in neighborhood reinvestment, expanded services and 
stronger partnerships.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor the 
career of Linda Chiarenza. I ask that my colleagues join me in 
expressing our congratulations on a well-earned retirement, and to 
celebrate the exemplary work she did to enrich the communities of 
Western New York.

                          ____________________