September 30, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 170 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E900-E901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING SISTER BETH BROSMER A CHAMPION FOR THOSE IN NEED, ON HER 
                   RETIREMENT FROM HEART, LOVE & SOUL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2020

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Sister Beth Brosmer on her retirement as Executive Director of Heart, 
Love & Soul, a nonprofit in the city of Niagara Falls, New York 
``dedicated to feeding those in need; body, mind and soul.''
  A native of Columbus, Ohio and a member of the Sisters of St. Francis 
at Stella Niagara for more than five decades, Sister Beth's career of 
care included a stint as development director for her order to ensure 
the care of her fellow sisters and at one of her hometown hospitals 
working with volunteers. Her experience and determination in making a 
difference in the lives of others made her an ideal choice eleven years 
ago to lead this agency that lives up to its name.
  Heart, Love & Soul is now one of the largest organizations in Niagara 
County, serving individuals and families from Niagara Falls to Lake 
Ontario. Founded in 1982 as a food pantry by a local prayer group, 
Heart, Love & Soul has expanded over the years and most dramatically 
under the direction of Sister Beth to include a dining room, case 
management, children's, veterans and senior services, cooking

[[Page E901]]

and nutrition classes and community care programs. Sister Beth also 
oversaw the development of many strong partnerships, especially with 
the students and faculty of Niagara University, and an expansion of 
private fundraising, foundation support and public grant awards to meet 
the growing demand for quality health and nutritional services.
  Sister Beth once said, ``At Heart and Soul I feel as I've come home'' 
and it is with her welcoming smile, boundless energy and unwavering 
respect for the humanity of others that she greets her clients, fellow 
staff members and all who come to her in need. She makes everyone feel 
like they have found a home as well with her candor, commitment and 
complete embrace of social justice. Sister Beth's service to others has 
blazed a trail for us to follow.
  Though truly humble and generous in her gratitude to others, it must 
be acknowledged that her legacy will live on in ``Daybreak,'' the new 
one-stop center opening this year following a multi-million-dollar 
capital campaign. More than 30 partner agencies will be housed under 
one roof allowing for easier access to expanded services for the 
homeless and those who find themselves in need of assistance.
  I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with Sister Beth for 
the betterment of Niagara Falls and our Western New community as she 
has become a voice for those traditionally not heard and a champion for 
those who deserve every opportunity to live lives of value. Fueled by 
her deep faith, Sister Beth Brosmer embodies the unyielding compassion 
necessary to foster healing in mind, body and soul. And while she will 
be greatly missed, Sister Beth Brosmer's home will always be at Heart, 
Love & Soul.
  Madam Speaker, I take this time to congratulate, celebrate and thank 
Sister Beth Brosmer for her lifetime of service. She is truly a beacon 
of light and hope and her work will leave a lasting impact on the 
Niagara Falls community.

                          ____________________