[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13375]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE STAFF OF THE COLUMBIA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard working 
and dedicated staff of the Columbia County Department of Social 
Services.
  The good people of Columbia County, New York are well served by this 
outstanding group of high minded professionals whose sole purpose is to 
serve the public. Rarely do these fine individuals receive any sort of 
public acclaim; nonetheless, they remain steadfast in their commitment 
to providing timely and effective human services. Whether it be 
providing funding for fuel oil to needy families each winter, finding 
shelter for families during hard times, protecting children from the 
horrors of child abuse, or reuniting a family torn apart by the ravages 
of substance abuse, Commissioner Jablonka and his staff are relentless 
in their pursuit of the public welfare.
  Commissioner Jablonka, who began his illustrious career in public 
service as a DSS caseworker more than forty years ago, is blessed to 
have an outstanding staff assisting him. Deputy Commissioner Michelle 
Ublacker has made a tremendous contribution to the agency in the few 
short months since coming on board. She brings with her a strong 
background in human services, years of experience as a DSS caseworker 
and a tenacious work ethic. Her commitment to excellence is apparent to 
all who serve with her. Under Michelle is an exemplary group of 
Directors who oversee the day to day operations of the agency: Lynn 
Kutski, Judy Richards, Deborah Amerling and Valerie Caruso make up this 
exceptional team and together they have worked hard to help move the 
agency forward into the twenty-first century. With leadership such as 
this, it is easy to see how the Department continues to excel in its 
efforts to serve our community.
  And finally, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge 
the most important group of individuals who contribute to the success 
of Columbia County's Department of Social Services--the caseworkers, 
investigators and the clerical and legal staffs who are the backbone of 
the agency. They lead the way in the ongoing struggle to end poverty, 
child abuse, substance abuse, and domestic violence. They protect the 
young and the old alike, and they do so without fanfare. But today we 
acknowledge our caseworkers and thank them for all that they do.
  May God bless each member of this team.

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