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[Pages H211-H212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING CHRISTINE KUSTELSKI
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) for 5 minutes.
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christine
Kustelski, the Southside unit director of the Boys & Girls Club of
Central Minnesota, for her recent induction into the Youth Intervention
Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor, one that only 86 individuals have
received over the last 21 years, is given to members of our community
who go above and beyond just working with our Nation's youth.
Since 1997, Christine has worked in youth development at the Boys &
Girls Club of Central Minnesota, serving nearly 1,200 K-12 youth.
Christine assists a range of students, working with children living in
foster care or with incarcerated parents or those who have experienced
abuse, neglect, and severe poverty.
[[Page H212]]
I thank Christine for meeting the needs of the youth in our community
and for her service to others in need. I congratulate her on earning
her place in the Youth Intervention Hall of Fame.
Recognizing the Anoka County Human Services Staff
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Human Services
staff in Anoka County, Minnesota, for receiving the Local Government
Innovation Award. These Innovation Awards highlight counties, cities,
townships, and schools that have found ways to make a bigger impact in
their communities.
Anoka County developed a new apprenticeship program called the
Empowers Program. This volunteer initiative provides employment and
training opportunities to the workforce of tomorrow.
In a nation struggling with workforce shortages and a growing skills
gap, this program helps young people identify what they want to do with
their career. The program assists the participants with job searches,
individual career planning, paid training, and achieving technical and
occupational certificates. The program can even assist with basic needs
like a bus pass, clothing for work, or books for school.
Anoka County deserves to be recognized for its efforts to prepare our
young people to join the workforce. With 7 million open jobs in this
country, our young people need to be equipped to join our growing
economy.
I congratulate Anoka County.
Recognizing Elk River Area School District's Excellence in
Technological Education
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Elk River Area
School District. As we closed out 2019, Elk River received an award for
the district's efforts to lead in educational approaches involving
technology. Sourcewell Technology's annual Impact Education Conference
named technology specialists and leaders from the Elk River Area School
District as the 2019 Technology Team of the Year.
Elk River earned this prestigious award because of the work the
district's technology team undertook to expand the services they
provide to their students. Elk River now provides on-demand courses for
teachers as well as online resources and training for students and
families. In total, the Elk River Area School District has implemented
e-learning options that are now available for nearly 14,000 students.
We are fortunate for such incredible educators dedicated to
innovating for their learners. I congratulate all the educators and
administrators at Elk River Area School District for winning this well-
deserved award.
Recognizing Rivers of Hope, Neighborhood Heroes Helping Victims of
Domestic Violence
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rivers of Hope, a
community-coordinated response to domestic violence.
In the summer of 1989, a group of neighbors concerned about an
increase in domestic violence banded together to create Rivers of Hope
to provide victims with care and support from their community.
Today, Rivers of Hope has expanded its scope of service, offering
legal advocacy, education, support groups, referrals, and a 24/7 free
and confidential crisis line for victims of domestic violence. The
organization also operates a youth program and a criminal justice
intervention program.
In addition, Rivers of Hope has grown beyond the neighbors who
founded the organization to now include corporate professionals,
business leaders, public servants, public servants from Wright and
Sherburne Counties, and other community leaders.
I thank everyone who offers their time and effort to Rivers of Hope,
making it the vital resource for victims in our communities. We are
grateful for their dedication to making the Sixth Congressional
District a better place to live and a safe place for everyone.
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