Cynthia Axne

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Angelina Hemphill, a newly minted Eagle Scout with Ankeny Troop 188, as our Iowan of the Week. Angelina is a member of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts nationwide and one of the first-ever from Iowa. She hopes to inspire others to work hard and never settle for less than what they deserve. Her goal is to help people believe in themselves even when they're faced with challenges and to help them look for the good in the world. To rise to the rank of Eagle Scout, Angelina has invested a lot of time and energy in educating herself and in giving back to her community. She completed 21 merit badges for tasks such as climbing, tying knots and fishing. In all, Angelina completed nine more electives than she needed to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Angelina also organized and led a conservation service project with a crew of volunteers who removed invasive species at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. Through her accomplishments, she has learned numerous first aid and outdoor skills and how to be a positive, contributing citizen. She has also learned valuable leadership skills that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. As one of the first women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Iowa, I can attest that being the first at something is never easy. Angelina's bravery and determination, and her belief that young women should have an equal chance to learn about leadership and valuable life skills makes me so excited to see what the next generation can achieve. 1 am proud to represent constituents like Angelina who aren't afraid to stand up for themselves and take a chance at doing something new. During this first week of Women's History Month, I couldn't be happier to name trailblazing Angelina as Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Mr. John Douglas, Executive Director of the Wilkie House in Des Moines, as our Iowan of the Week. John's gift for working with kids and helping them reach their highest potential is immediately evident upon visiting with him about his work. He speaks with passion and expertise on issues such as the importance of quality child care and the urgent need to address the childcare cliff effect to create better opportunity for families. At the Wilkie House you can see his determination and dedication not only in tackling big projects like significant infrastructure improvements to the building and playground, but also in little things like walking kids to their parent's car at the end of the evening to say goodnight. Like many small non-profit leaders, John dedicates an immense amount of time and effort, wears many hats, and maximizes limited resources to make his programs successful. During workdays that regularly last nearly 12 hours, John works on grants, community outreach and engagement, assisting families in overcoming barriers, and accessing resources and administration. He's constantly working on growing funding to keep up with the increase in numbers so the Wilkie House can serve more children. With all that and more on his plate, he still spends time with the kids during afterschool activities and cites it a source of great joy. Established in September of 1917, the Wilkie House initially served as an extension of the War Recreation Board for Black Officers at Fort Des Moines, making it one of the oldest African-American community- based organizations in the state of Iowa. Today the organization's rich history is carried forward through the mission of developing character and esteem in young people through promotion of academics, building social skills, health, and recreation. The nonprofit serves nearly 400 youth ages 5-18 years and their families during the fiscal year, with the majority of participants coming from low-income families and diverse ethnic backgrounds. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to John and his team. The Wilkie House was one of the first organizations to reopen and stay open throughout the summer and for virtual learning support in the school year. They adapted to facilitate safe, full-day school year programming during virtual learning days so youth participants could better understand and complete their academics, receive tutoring and daily meals, and fulfill critical social needs through recreational and social skill building activities. It would be impossible to measure the kind of positive impact this program has had on our community during such a difficult time. Despite the additional challenges, John and the Wilkie House team have continued to provide after school programming so kids can have snacks and dinner, engage in active and creative activities, and receive tutoring and homework assistance. They maintain summer programming with trips to the park and the zoo, volunteer opportunities, and work with youth on growth areas like problem solving, coping with change, independence, compassion, and career readiness. John also helps the Wilkie House maintain its position as a community hub by hosting evening and weekend events that bring people together for meals, fun activities, sporting events, and even musical performances from groups like the Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corp. Before stepping up to his current role, John worked as a coordinator of a federal grant at the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families. He spent time in higher education and worked internationally in non- profits to help families living in extreme poverty, including those in slums, orphanages, and children living on the street. Giving back to those in need, particularly young children, has been the highlight of his career. Individuals like John Douglas who prioritize service over self in order to create a better life for individuals and better community for all their neighbors, especially those who are underserved and underrepresented, are commendable for so many reasons. Not only has he had an immediate and positive effect on the kids and families he serves through the Wilkie House, but the whole of Des Moines is better off because of his ongoing efforts. I'm proud to count John as a neighbor and thank him for his dedication. It is my honor to name him our Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sue Wilson and The Helping Hand of Warren County in Indianola, Iowa for their aid to the underserved people of their community. Sue and The Helping Hand are the pinnacles of what it means to be an Iowan, and I wish to recognize them as my Iowan of the Week for their remarkable dedication to the betterment of their state. The Helping Hand is a volunteer organization whose mission is to distribute food, clothing, and household items to residents in their community for no cost. While they have been serving the people of Warren County for years via their walk-in food pantry, they have begun outreach to expand their services to address underlying issues resulting in food insecurity such as substance misuse and mental health services. The Helping Hand is expanding its network to multiple resources and services that its community members can utilize. Not only is it a support system for people who need food and clothing, it is also a resource for those who look to better their mental health as well, not just their physical. Sue serves on Governor Reynolds' Advisory Council for Brain Injuries and has started to administer a voluntary brain injury screening tool to the community members that utilize The Helping Hand. While people are waiting in the food pantry line, they are invited to participate in the screening and are then asked a series of questions. This new programming is in the early stages, but Sue and The Helping Hand are hoping that they will soon be able to provide data of the percentage of people who have suffered from a brain injury and have limited resources to assist them in their betterment. So far, The Helping Hand has screened approximately 100 people in their food pantry line. Sue and The Helping Hand's desire to better the lives of those in Warren County is inspiring. Whether it be facing food insecurity directly or distributing over one thousand boxes of food and supplies, they are setting the standards high on what it means to serve and be served within a community. Sue and The Helping Hand are constantly and consistently striving to better themselves and the people they serve, and they do this through complete devotion, an unwavering work ethic, and huge hearts. I am proud to recognize Sue Wilson and The Helping Hand of Warren County as my Iowan of the week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Carley Deery from Carlisle High School as Iowan of the Week. Carley is a senior at Carlisle High School with a passion for animals. Her father David Deery is a senior fire medic at Des Moines Fire Station No. 3. He told his daughter a story of resuscitating a dog from a house fire using a pet oxygen mask. Carley soon learned of the lack of resources in having these specialized masks available to first responders in Polk County. This story and her passion for animals inspired her to launch a campaign to purchase much-needed pet oxygen masks for area ambulances. Carley immediately went to work with her family: baking and selling dog treats, creating an online fundraiser and ultimately teaming up with the ARL to meet her goal of every ambulance in the metro area having a pet oxygen mask. Recently, she was able to present a check for more than $2,000 to help make the goal a reality. Her work didn't stop there. Carley has continued her effort of not only masks, but assisting the ARL in providing housing, food and medical care to animals who need assistance after a disaster. As an animal lover myself Carley's story is inspiring and a testament to how important our animals and pets are to our community. I am so happy to hear that the 47 masks that Carley helped raise the funds for will benefit nine different agencies with 22 of them staying right here in Des Moines. I am proud to represent constituents like Carley who truly exemplify what it means to be an Iowan. I will continue to fight in Congress for communities like Carley's to ensure they have the support and voice they deserve.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Delwyn Showalter, a long-time coach, athletic director, and mentor to many students in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Delwyn is set to retire from his roles this year, and I wish to recognize him as my Iowan of the Week for his outstanding service to his community. Delwyn has been with the Mount Ayr Raiders since 1984, serving in a number of roles from teaching social studies, coaching numerous sports, and as athletic director. Under his leadership as co-coach of the Mount Ayr football team, the program has seen continued success with a recent playoff appearance. In fact, Delwyn and his co-coach Derek Lambert, are the winningest coaches in program history with 135 wins in 19 seasons. Even more impressive, the pair has had only one losing record. Delwyn's coaching prowess doesn't end there, however, as he has also coached the basketball team to three conference championships. Beyond leading his teams to victories, Coach Showalter has also been a leader for his student athletes. His friends and colleagues describe him as a caring and supportive man with an ability to lead young men. His players talk about his work ethic and how he's a man you can look up to as a mentor. He sets high standards for his students yet connects through humor and humility. We all know that there is much more to high school athletics than simply winning, and Coach Showalter is an example to all on the positive influence a coach can have on young student's lives and their community. For Delwyn, sports is also a family affair. His two sons, Daniel and David, followed in his footsteps. Daniel coaches with his father on the Mount Ayr staff and David is a teacher and coach in Ackley, Iowa. While I know his players and community will miss Delwyn on the sidelines, I am sure he'll stay connected to the sport through his family. After 36 years with the Mount Ayr Raiders, Delwyn deserves this retirement and we all can be thankful for his service to his community. I am proud to recognize Coach Delwyn Showalter as my Iowan of the week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of our community, Olivia Samples, by nominating her as our Iowan of the week. Olivia is a certified doula and small business owner, focused on providing quality services to families as they prepare for prenatal, childbirth and postnatal care. Three years ago, Olivia read an article about the maternal health crisis and felt a deep calling to put her skills to good use. While Iowa has amongst some of the lowest stillbirth rates in the country, Black people are twice as likely to experience stillbirth than the general population. To put that into perspective, 1 in 121 Black people will experience a stillbirth as compared to the 1 out of 234 white people. The mortality rate is unfortunately just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to birthing and new parenting issues that face Iowa's Black community. These stats along with the lower quality prenatal care that was being provided to Black women in the community inspired Olivia to become Iowa's first Black doula. Olivia leads her business, Kismet Doula Services, with the mission to cultivate collective care and liberation to her clients through providing them a safe, loving environment to ensure they can become and remain healthy and well. Her services include prenatal, childbirth, lactation consultation and postnatal support for her clients. However, Olivia goes above and beyond for her clients, going as far as to help with laundry, prepare meals for them and secure funds for those who need assistance purchasing necessary items for postnatal care and parenthood. She strives to make sure her services are accessible to all by providing mutual aid options, free services through certain organizations and will even barter or trade with her clients. Beyond providing direct support to her clients, Olivia also organizes workshops and partners with several community organizations. In her first few years as a doula, she realized that the voices of new parents were missing when it came time to discuss legislation that would affect their well-being. As a result, Olivia organized the Celebration of Black Kin Conference for this April focusing on Black maternal well- being in our community. Olivia also gives back to the community by partnering with the Young Women's Resource Center to provide free doula services as well as the Iowa Queer Communities of Color Coalition to ensure all types of families are able to receive the quality pre and postnatal services they deserve. Olivia jumps in headfirst to solve the problem and gives it her all. The success of her business and the high praise from her community reflect the significant impact she has had on the lives of pregnant people in Iowa. That's why I would like my colleagues to rise with me and recognize this exemplary woman, Olivia Samples, as Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Heidi Shreck, a pediatrician who serves as Chief Medical Officer for Primary Health Care, a community health center local in central Iowa. Dr. Shreck is a dedicated, trusted physician who works each day to support the health of our communities, and it is my distinct honor to name her Iowan of the Week. Dr. Shreck leads with care and compassion, and she is committed to achieving excellence. If you were to ask any of her patients--or the parents of some of her littler patients--they would without doubt echo that her kindness, devotion, and concern for their health and wellbeing is at the core of everything she does. PHC offers high-quality, affordable care to underserved and vulnerable populations in Des Moines, Ames, and Marshalltown. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shreck helps ensure these patients receive comprehensive health services, including medical and dental care, behavioral health care, homeless support, and pharmacy services. In 2019, PHC provided care for more than 38,000 Iowans. Dr. Shreck has been instrumental in advancing the care-driven mission of community health centers in Iowa. When we began to see cases of COVID-19 in our state, Dr. Shreck led PHC' s early response efforts and coordinated with other healthcare organizations to establish a community-wide strategy. She has continued to lead our medical, dental, and behavioral health staff through the challenging circumstances of the past nine months. PHC's staff--including Dr. Shreck--has gone above and beyond to make sure patients and clients received continuing health care from the onset of this pandemic. Their accomplishments are truly too many to list, so I'd like to highlight a few. With Dr. Shreck's leadership, PHC medical staff rapidly adapted to providing care in new ways. For example, behavioral health providers worked alongside primary care teams to set up telehealth systems to meet increasing demand for mental health care among kids and adults during this pandemic. In the early days of the pandemic when most dental offices had to shutter, dedicated dental teams juggled work adjustments, staffing challenges, and new requirements for PPE in order to provide emergency care--which kept patients healthy while ensuring emergency room space remained available to treat those with COVID-19. I cannot thank Dr. Shreck enough for her hard work and resolve in the face of this threat to the health of communities across Iowa. Despite the long hours, stress, and concern for their own families, friends, and neighbors, Dr. Shreck and her team keep showing up to provide exceptional care. They do so with compassion, dignity, and respect; their resolve is deeply humbling. It is Iowans like Dr. Shreck who embody Iowans commitment to community and service. I thank her once again for her achievements, and it is my distinct honor to name her this week's Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Winum, community banker and President of the Mills County Economic Development Foundation in Glenwood, Iowa. Larry's outstanding service to his neighbors and fellow Iowans during some of the most challenging times in the last 18 months is why I recognize him as my Iowan of the Week. Iowans in Mills and Freemont counties had not only a tough 2020, but a difficult 2019. Massive flooding hit these two counties in early 2019 and devastated communities like Pacific Junction. And of course, in 2020, every community has suffered the economic impacts of COVID-19. Many families lost their businesses, their homes, and their jobs. Just as many folks were getting back on their feet from the floods, they were knocked down again by the virus. That's where Larry comes in. Larry has over 30 years of experience working at the Glenwood State Bank, so he's seen a lot. He helped many of our family, friends, and neighbors during the 2008 economic recession, helped to bring new economic development to Southwest Iowa, and was instrumental in building a new commerce highway to southwest Iowa. Madam Speaker, the truth is I could go on and on about Larry's accomplishments. Frankly, I don't know of a business or good cause in Southwest Iowa Larry hasn't been a part of. Therefore, you know how difficult the last two years have been when even he admits it's been hard on everyone. Larry has been right there to help us rebuild time and time again. Not only did the Glenwood Bank and Larry help over 150 customers in need of assistance during the pandemic, resulting in over $9.5 million in assistance for businesses impacted by COVID-19, they also hosted a water distribution location for those who lost everything in the 2019 floods. ``It's not hard to do because it's the right thing to do'' he said, because those are the values Larry lives by. Larry and I saw each other as we toured the devastating flooding, both of us offering as much support and assistance as we could. As I fought in Congress to help bring relief faster to Iowa, Larry worked to distribute that assistance, answer questions, and right now he's working to help build new, affordable housing which is sorely needed. As a part of the family owned bank that has been in business for 120 years, Larry doesn't see his work as anything extraordinary. He's proud of his friends and neighbors who pulled together ``like a family'', he feels, saying that ``everyone just rallies around each other in difficult times.'' I will point out that working nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help businesses apply for and receive essential PPP loans to keep them in business is Larry going above and beyond. Larry feels that his work was just one small part of helping our communities. He credits his coworkers, local leaders, local businesses, and small-town values of Iowans for helping raise money, deliver meals, offer donations, and so much more. Larry, like any Iowan, can't imagine not helping when his community is in need and that's exactly why I want to honor Larry as Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise before the House to honor Mr. Patrick Ford, Doctor of Physical Therapy and CoFounder and President of Project Onyx. Patrick, who lives in Bondurant with his family, is an example of how an individual can turn their words of wanting to make the world a better place into concrete actions that improve the lives of those in our communities. Through the work of Project Onyx, Patrick and fellow co-founder, Mr. Elijah Muhammad, owner of Unorthodox Fitness, work to ``envision a community full of healthy, active individuals who have equal access to health and fitness services provided by diverse and culturally competent professionals'' and currently work with a group of 20 young men from around Central Iowa. After the death of George Floyd in the summer of 2020, Patrick felt called to take action within his community. Reflecting on his own experiences as a biracial Black American, he wanted to work to create a world that would be more just for his daughter to grow up. In June of 2020, he approached Elijah with the idea to address underrepresentation and disparities in health outcomes for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and as a result, `Project Onyx' was created. He became determined to work toward increasing representation in the field of health and fitness and encouraging young BIPOC to enter or explore a career within the health field; having seen firsthand the racial disparities in access to healthcare, fitness, and wellness programs as a full-time physical therapist. The goal for 2021 is to expand programming beyond the current location in Grimes and allow young people from across Central Iowa to access Project Onyx and double the current participation. In addition to health and wellness services, Patrick's vision for a youth empowerment program came to fruition as a program that blends a physical workout with conversations and dialogue about community issues. Project Onyx's mentorship program provides a launching pad for BIPOC youth who are interested in careers in health and wellness by giving them hands-on experience and career guidance. In the future the partners would like to work towards funding for scholarship opportunities and additional ways to reduce barriers towards a career in health, whether this be a certificate program or four-year degree. Patrick is keenly aware of the importance of access to health and wellness programs and understands the negative impact of the absence of these programs in communities of color. Through Project Onyx, Patrick is using his education and experiences to help remedy this cultural inequity and serves as an example to all of us of how we can make a difference in our communities. Having never previously felt compelled to take action or be an activist he reevaluated his priorities and determined to make the world a better place for his daughter to live. I commend Patrick for beginning to address the important work of breaking barriers and creating an avenue for BIPOC to be brought into the field of health and wellness. By providing this service to the community and expanding the reach of Project Onyx many young people from across Central Iowa will be given the opportunity to make our State more inclusive and result in better outcomes for all regardless of race. I thank Patrick, for his service in our community.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise before the House to recognize Kacia Cain, an Iowan who has dedicated her life to teaching students about the importance of STEM. Kacia has devoted her life to encouraging Iowans to participate and foster a love and appreciation for STEM. She has inspired, motivated and provided a platform for so many students and individuals in Iowa to cultivate their appreciation for the sciences. That is why I want to honor Kacia as Iowan of the Week for the week of December 25th. Kacia grew up in Ames, Iowa before she graduated from Iowa State University, and then moved on to get her master's degree in biology from Northwestern State in Louisiana. Kacia had always been interested in science and biology and worked as a veterinary assistant. While she was in grad school, however, she was able to teach as a part of an assistantship program. She claims she fell promptly in love with teaching and made the decision to get certified and come back to Iowa to teach. Kacia is currently a teacher at Winterset High School, but previously was teaching students from all five high schools at Des Moines Central Campus. As a science teacher, her goal in the classroom has been to introduce her students to a varied group of subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, genetics, and microbiology. An important aspect to Kacia's curriculum is to use more than the resources that can be accessed in a classroom. Kacia and her students were able to learn from various people within the community. Pre-COVID-19, they were able to take trips and bring in individuals to allow a perspective of what STEM can look like in the real world. They traveled to colleges so that students could better visualize themselves as a college STEM student and see and understand the components of what a future in the sciences could look like. One of Kacia's favorite parts of being a teacher is being able to take a difficult concept and bring it to a level that students can better comprehend. The ability to see and understand a concept that she helped morphed into a lesson that the student can take with them even after the year is over is not only rewarding for Kacia, but it also simply helps the sciences and opens the idea of STEM for more students. Her role as a STEM teacher landed her a spot on the STEM Council and Executive Committee in September 2013 where she has since served on the Business Engagement Committee that built the ``Guidelines for School+Business Partnerships in STEM'' and contributed to the STEM Council's Seal of Approval. She has also since been honored as STEM MVP and received the Iowa STEM Teacher Award. Now a teacher at Winterset High School, Kacia's goal remains the same. She wishes to work hard to ensure that all Iowans can access the same opportunities, materials, and resources that are available everywhere, whether you be in an urban or a rural setting. Kacia said she has always believed that STEM is about building partnerships through links beyond school walls and is excited to be a part of a group in a state that puts that idea at the forefront. Kacia is an example of how dedicated, selfless, and incredible hard work teachers and Iowans are. I cannot thank Kacia Cain enough for all she's done to help the young people of our community, and I couldn't be happier to name her as Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, today I want to honor an Iowan who is fighting for change and assistance for those who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS or also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Executive Director of the Iowa ALS Society, Josh Nuss, has been a leading champion in our state for those diagnosed with this tragic, progressive and misunderstood disease. I am proud to honor Josh as our Iowan of the Week. Earlier in December, I was proud to vote for a bill that ensure those who have ALS can receive social security benefits as soon as they receive their diagnosis. I'm glad to see that bill signed into law, which is going to offer financial assistance to those with this disease. But perhaps no one was more excited to see this legislation pass than Josh, who listened to the vote happen live as it passed the Senate and then the House. Josh said it was amazing to hear Senators and Representatives from across the country speak on behalf of those with ALS. He hopes too that this bill will open the door to other rare diseases and illnesses who need assistance too. Josh's work with ALS began in 2004 when he first met Iowans with this rare but fatal disease. When in 2014, he had the opportunity to join the Iowa ALS Chapter, he jumped at it. The work he does is deeply meaningful because he is ``helping the best people at the worst time of their lives'', he said. As part of Executive Director for Iowa ALS, Josh's work include advocacy and supporting our community. Iowa ALS helps those with ALS learn about their care options, invest in research, and hold community events like the annual ``Walk for ALS'' here in Des Moines and the national Ice Bucket Challenge that raises money--and awareness--for those with ALS. As part of Josh's work, he makes multiple trips from Iowa to Washington D.C. each year, meeting with our lawmakers to rally support for ALS research, funding, and of course this bill. Josh made this trip on behalf of Iowans with ALS who could not, bringing their stories to legislators across Iowa and Washington. Josh's passion for Iowa is clear. He's served our communities in so many ways and we're lucky to have him during this extremely difficult time, as the pandemic has not only been frightening for those with longterm illnesses, like ALS, but the economic strain on our nonprofits across the country. Although the pandemic has changed the way Josh and the Iowa ALS provide help, they still make sure they are providing the same level of care for Iowans and their families. Josh credits his amazing co-workers, caring board members, and volunteers across the state who all work together and of course his wife, Kate, and their twin daughters Lydia and Taylor--who would like the record to show they are 12 and a half. ``We are Iowa'' he said, explaining that Iowans pitch in and help each other in times of need. It is Josh's love for his fellow Iowans, passion for change, and service to our community that I am proud to name him Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Pat Rutherford, an extraordinary seamstress and community volunteer, as our Iowan of the Week. Since March of this year, Pat has dedicated the majority of her time to sewing thousands of cloth face masks she gives away for free so Iowans can better protect themselves from COVID-19. This volunteer effort has now thoroughly become part of her daily life. Her dedication has not only inspired others to join in on the mission, but has also generated thousands of dollars in donations to the local food bank at a time when families are experiencing greater food insecurity. After spotting a woman in the Atlanta airport holding a tissue to her face because she didn't have a proper mask, Pat decided no one should have to resort to such measures during a global pandemic. She returned home and stayed busy during her precautionary quarantine by sewing high-quality fabric face masks people could wash and reuse. Pat put up a public Facebook page where community members could place orders for the free masks, and hundreds of requests came in the first day. It's been nine months since then, and the orders haven't slowed. For months at the beginning of her effort, Pat was purchasing all the necessary mask supplies and sewing equipment from her own funds and was doing her best to keep up with orders as a solo volunteer. She'd spend hours sewing in the basement each day and place completed masks on her front porch, publicly urging those without a good face covering to come to her home and take what they needed. It was an expensive and time- consuming endeavor, but Pat was determined to keep going. Demand kept up and her efforts caught the attention of many, including Verlaine Faber and Pam West, who now spend several days each week in Pat's basement helping sew and keep up with new mask orders. As more people learned about Pat's project, neighbors began donating supplies to help out. People would scour garage sales and deliver boxes of fabric to Pat's home. Several others volunteered to help Pat, Verlaine, and Pam finish masks by stitching on the elastic ear loops and sewing pleats. And people began to leave monetary donations when they'd pick up their mask orders. Rather than accept the donations herself, Pat began donating the money to the Grimes Storehouse, the local food bank. The effort has generated somewhere between $7,000 and $10,000 in donations for the Storehouse, including $900 in Fareway grocery gift cards Pat just dropped off to be included in Christmas baskets for families in need. Pat estimates she and her small band of fellow volunteers have sewn and donated more than 5,000 masks since March. They've filled free orders and made donations to local nursing homes, health care facilities, teachers, a reservation in South Dakota, and beyond. They linked up with MaskHelpers.org, a website used to connect individuals who need masks with those who make masks, in order to expand their reach. They might be taking a short break for the holidays, but they plan to get right back at it at the start of 2021. Pat is very humble about her efforts this year. She's lost track of exactly how many masks she and her friends have made and of the exact dollar amount she's been able to donate to the Grimes food pantry. Those numbers aren't her focus, nor are the accolades she so rightly deserves for the huge impact she's made the last several months. All she wants to do is help whoever she can however she can during this heightened time of need. She's very grateful for all the new people she's been able to connect with through the project. This story is a beautiful example of the leadership, altruism, and community spirit Iowans possess. I can't thank Pat Rutherford enough for all she's done to help the community of Grimes, and I couldn't be happier to name her as Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, this week, many of us took the opportunity to observe Giving Tuesday by contributing to nonprofit organizations that support those in need and help us build a better community. Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has stood as a reminder to each of us to do good and to give what we can to help others in more need than ourselves. I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring an exceptional Iowan who exemplifies the charitable spirit of the people in central and southwest Iowa. Sara Bonney is the Chief Marketing Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. Over the last 7 years, Sara has done incredible work to promote the mission of the Community Foundation and make meaningful connections between donors and nonprofit organizations in the Des Moines area. Like many Iowans, Sara grew up on a farm in rural Iowa. Her parents were active members in their community, constantly finding ways to give back and volunteer their time. Sara's parents believed everybody has their own gifts--and that it is their responsibility to use those gifts for giving back to others. This is a value that Sara has carried with her and inspired her to pursue a career in nonprofit work and charitable giving, The Community Foundation of Great Des Moines has worked with donors and nonprofits in the Des Moines metro area for over 50 years. The Community Foundation has established countless giving funds and grants to support projects and organizations which have addressed their critical needs--spanning from education, fine arts, immigration and health care amongst so many others. Over the last year, Sara and her team identified an opportunity to make it easier for donors and nonprofits to connect in a way that would produce more impactful contributions. That led to revamping their website givedsm.org. This website works with nonprofits to list their specific needs. In turn, donors can access their lists. find organizations that align with their values, and make contributions that will have greater impacts on the recipients. Givedsm.org is just one of the many projects Sara has worked on in the last 7 years. When asked what inspires her to continue doing her work, Sara cites her amazement at the charitable nature of Iowans. Over the last year, thousands of Iowans have faced extreme hardships due to coronavirus. One might think this would negatively impact the number of contributions received on givedsm.org. However, the Community Foundation has seen an exponential increase in the number of donations they have received through the website. As Sara likes to say: when Iowans rise, we rise together. Sara's extraordinary commitment to supporting nonprofits in our community has widereaching impacts on people in all walks of life. A lifelong Iowan, Sara hopes her work continues to make Iowa a better home for generations to come. We are incredibly fortunate to have people like Sara in Iowa's Third District. It is my honor to recognize her as our Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Professor Debra DeLaet, the Executive Director of the Iowa United Nations Association (UNA), for her dedication to protecting human rights and ending violence against women. November 25th marks the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a day devoted to bringing awareness to intimate partner violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, and more. Professor DeLaet has been passionate about gender equality and human rights from a young age. She developed her passion for international relations and global issues of human rights during her time at the University of Notre Dame where she received her master's in Peace Studies. She began teaching at Drake University in 1995, leading courses ranging from human rights to world politics. In 2019, Professor DeLaet was brought on as the Executive Director of the Iowa UNA, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that focuses on advocating for constructive U.S. global engagements and supporting the work of the UN. It is in this position that Professor DeLaet has been able to advocate for change on a larger scale. Gender equality and women's rights are two of the main focuses of the Iowa UNA, and Professor DeLaet takes pride in the organization's work which has focused on everything from refugees and human rights to female empowerment and environmental issues. In addition to teaching college students, Professor DeLaet speaks to young people about the Iowa UNA and the importance of caring about global issues. She encourages students to get involved so they can be advocates for their own future, as well as for the future of Iowa and our country. Many current Iowa UNA members have been involved for decades, some since their charter in 1953. The longtime membership of many in the Iowa UNA inspires Professor DeLaet to remain resilient and tenacious, and their dedication to the important work of the UN shows the universality of the issues the Iowa UNA focus on. Professor DeLaet's dedication to human rights, especially pertaining to women, is incredibly inspiring. She has been a lifelong advocate for equality among all people, and she continues to teach the next generation of leaders to support human rights and global involvement. Professor DeLaet hopes to see a new generation of Iowans get involved in the Iowa UNA and champion important issues such as gender equity. I am proud of the work that she and the Iowa UNA have done to continue these important discussions and stand up for decency and equality. Professor Debra DeLaet's many years of dedication and passion are exactly why we are inspired by her, and why I am honored to recognize her as our Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, as millions of individuals, families, and essential workers struggle to obtain the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) required to keep them safe during these difficult times, volunteer organizations like the Iowa Mask Brigade have stepped up to provide these critical items to keep our citizens and communities safe. That is why today, I rise to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the Iowa Mask Brigade as this week's Iowan of the Week. The Iowa Mask Brigade was founded earlier this year by Connie Klug after she received a distressed call from her niece, an emergency room doctor in desperate need of PPE. Connie immediately got to work researching protective masks and found that filters were the most important feature that made them effective. Although commercial face mask filters were not available, Connie used her problem-solving skills to create her own. She began cutting furnace filters from the company 3M, the same company that produces the coveted N95 masks. Sandwiching this filter in between two layers of high-quality cotton fabric, Connie produced her first mask in a process the New York Times would later consider the best method of making homemade masks. Connie, a quilter, enlisted the help of two of her seamstress friends, who enlisted the help of their friends, and an organization instantly formed as volunteers coalesced around one simple idea: to provide masks to those who need them. In their first month of operation, the Iowa Mask Brigade used over 75 furnace filters. Today, the Iowa Mask Brigade consists of 35 volunteers who have collectively produced almost 8,000 masks since its inception in March. One of those volunteers is Ray Getting, who handles much of the logistics within the Brigade. In a recent conversation, he mentioned everyone who has received a mask is so incredibly appreciative. The group maintains extremely high standards for quality, and if a mask wasn't perfect, it wasn't sent out. He's been able to send high quality masks to people he cares about in places he knows it's going to make a difference. As the organization has grown, their mask-making has become more innovative. When the Brigade ran out of elastic bands for ear loops, they turned to hairbands. Today, they have purchased over 25,000 hairbands for their masks, and they have shared this technique, as well as many others they have developed, with other mask-making organizations. The Iowa Mask Brigade has sent masks to people in need all over the United States. From the Iowa's Dallas County Hospital to San Antonio to the Navajo Nation in Arizona, for whom they have created a custom design to fit their preferences. Now, the Brigade mostly serves low income housing, hospitals, and nursing homes, such as the APEHA senior living apartments in Johnston, Iowa. In honoring the Iowa Mask Brigade today, I want to underscore the values of hard work, dedication, persistence, and problem-solving that Iowans demonstrate in spades during this difficult time. As Connie Klug said, ``A unique characteristic of Iowans is that we don't get defeated easily. We just went to work and overcame it. That to me is Iowans: we don't get discouraged; we just get to work. We're not helpless. We rolled up our sleeves and said, there are not problems that we can't figure out.'' I am so proud to recognize the Iowa Mask Brigade for their outstanding work and their unwavering willingness to help all those in need. It is my hope that other individuals and organizations are inspired to take action of their own. The volunteers powering the Iowa Mask Brigade have not only given protective gear to people in need, but also instilled hope when we need it most. It is my honor to share the Iowa Mask Brigade's story and recognize the group as our Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing an Iowan who embodies the value of a strong work ethic and the dedication it takes to learn a trade. Earlier this month we celebrated National Apprenticeship Week to highlight the impact and value of apprenticeship programs across the United States. To continue that celebration, I am proud to name Nils Backstrom, a union carpenter in Iowa with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, as our Iowan of the Week for the week of November 20th. Leaders in the Carpenters Training Program have described Nils as a pillar of what it means to be an active apprentice in their program. He's always the first to volunteer for projects and has been a member of the Apprenticeship Committee since its inception. From the day Nils arrived at training, he has pushed both himself and the instructional team to be the very best at what they do. The benefits of apprenticeship programs cannot be overstated. They supply Iowa businesses with well-trained employees to get tough jobs done well and on time, and folks like Nils are the backbone of these programs. These professionals are instilled with both the technical skills required of the job and leadership capacity that is so highly sought after. Apprentices complete 7,000 hours of on-the-job training and more than 640 hours of classroom learning. Supplying a pipeline of highly skilled employees for the future is a critical role apprenticeship programs play in not just Iowa but nationally as well. Ensuring vital industries like information technology, healthcare, building trades, and advanced manufacturing are filled with the right people is crucial for building our future. What's more, the work is rewarding and Iowans in these positions make a good living for their families. The Department of Labor has shown that Registered Apprenticeships have a 94 percent job placement rate at the conclusion of the program--with a highly competitive salary. The importance of protecting and enhancing our workforce by supporting these apprenticeship programs should be an issue we can all get behind. Nils Backstrom is one of many hundreds of thousands of skilled apprentices across the nation. His spirit and drive, and that of his colleagues, are needed to build towards a better future for all individuals. I'm grateful to Nils and his fellow apprentices for their dedication to their trade and their contributions to growing our state. We need more individuals like him to join the trade and fill highly in-demand, skilled positions available right here in Iowa. I ask the House to join me in honoring Nils Backstrom as Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing each and every one of the volunteer poll workers who helped with this general election as our Iowans of the Week. Iowans have long prided ourselves on how we engage the democratic process. For us, that means a lot more than simply casting a ballot every so often: it means really getting to know candidates and elected officials, attending town halls to ask questions and voice opinions, keeping up with the news, encouraging our friends and neighbors to get involved, and consistently turning out to vote. To boil it down, Iowans believe participation is key when it comes to government and politics. As positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Iowa, state and county election officials had to find a way for Americans to cast their ballots safely, reliably, and on time. I'm proud to say they did so successfully, and that feat required more than 10,000 everyday citizens to step up and participate as volunteer poll workers throughout early voting and on Election Day. These volunteers took time away from work, school, and home during the week and on weekends to give back to their communities. While they came to the table with their own political beliefs and values, they all worked together in a nonpartisan way to make the day run smoothly. As the risks of COVID-19 kept many older volunteers at home this year, Iowa saw more high school students and young adults sign up to fill the gaps. For weeks prior to November 3rd, individual county election offices planned and held dozens of trainings for volunteers to learn the ropes of being a precinct election official. On Election Day these volunteers staffed more than 1,600 precinct voting locations across the state, many working fifteen-hour shifts from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. to make sure every Iowan who wanted to could cast a ballot. While working early voting sites and election day locations, they wore personal protective equipment like masks, face shields, and gloves and continually wiped down voting machines and frequently touched surfaces to ensure their neighbors could participate with minimal risk. They made sure Iowans visiting the polls had masks and hand sanitizer, knew where to go and what to do once they got there, and made sure the environment was safe and welcoming for all. Elections that are free, fair, safe, and secure are the foundation of our nation's democracy. Maintaining that standard requires consistency, careful planning, and ongoing collaboration each cycle. I would be remiss if I did not thank election officials at the state and county levels for their tireless work to make the 2020 general election run smoothly across our state. The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes by these individuals is staggering. I also want to commend everyone who made their voices heard by casting a ballot this fall; their participation is how we move society forward. Finally, I'd like to again extend my gratitude to the thousands of volunteer poll workers in central and southwest Iowa who stepped up to serve their communities and our democracy. They have performed an essential civic duty to ensure their neighbors could safely participate in record numbers, and they did so while dealing with a global pandemic. Their efforts and dedication are a true reflection of Iowa values, and I'm proud to name them Iowans of the Week

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, October was National Bullying Prevention Month. As such, I rise today to ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Penny Bisignano for her efforts in bullying prevention in our schools. She has played a key role in supporting anti-bullying training and programming for teachers, parents, and students in Iowa. In fact, our Senate colleagues may remember Penny's 2012 testimony on the issue of bullying. In 2018 alone, there were more than 835,000 reported incidents of bullying among students ages 12 through 18. As a parent, these numbers are deeply concerning. While the act of bullying is nothing new, the rise of on line communication, social media, and smart phones has provided new and highly accessible environments for aggressions to occur. As a result, bullying has become more subversive and difficult to recognize. Thankfully, we have people like Penny who have coached teachers, students, and parents on what to look for and how these incidents can be prevented. While working with school counselors, Penny began to see concerning trends in the way children were treating each other. She realized she wanted to help people better understand the seriousness of bullying and how difficult it can be for children to talk about. In 2004, she decided it was time to act and set her sights on championing bullying prevention statewide. For years, Penny ran the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program in Iowa. The Olweus Program has a comprehensive approach to creating a positive and safe environment in schools. The program's goal is to not only reduce the number of bullying incidents in schools, but also improve relations between students. By addressing antisocial behaviors, this programming has been found to reduce bullying among students as well as truancy and vandalism. Iowa is fortunate to have not only quality programming available, but also so many dedicated organizations working to keep all children safe. A longtime education consultant, Penny has participated in the Iowa Safe and Supportive Schools Grants Team, focusing on prevention and intervention. She's provided training and networking statewide and facilitated various projects for the improvement of schools and teachers' roles in bullying prevention. Penny also expanded her expertise beyond Iowa by dedicating five years to the Board of Directors for the International Bullying Prevention Association. She eventually founded her own small business, Bisignano Consulting and Coaching, to work on several projects including a study observing possible links between bullying and chronic health conditions. Penny remains passionate about bullying prevention. In fact, she's come out of retirement three times to continue her work. That speaks volumes about Penny's character and rings true for so many Iowans: if there's a job to do, they won't rest until it's done well. She's now enjoying her fourth (and hopefully final) retirement while still offering expertise whenever asked. Penny hopes her fellow Iowans continue having conversations about bullying so children and adults alike can learn how to better care for one another, and I couldn't agree more. It is my honor to recognize Penny Bisignano as our Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mrs. Barbara Kaiman for her outstanding leadership and positivity as she serves those in need in her local community and fights food insecurity in Mills County. Barbara has acted as the food bank director, as well as serving many other roles, for the Mills County Storehouse in Glenwood for more than 20 years--all on an entirely volunteer basis. I'm pleased to name Barbara our Iowan of the Week. Over her years of service, Barbara has witnessed firsthand the need for assistance--but the past two have been especially hard on families in Mills County. Between the historic flooding across Southwest Iowa in the Spring of 2019 and the current COVID-19 pandemic, she has seen the need for support and assistance increase. In February, the Mills County Storehouse served 185 families. In March, that number jumped up to 240. Barbara has said she is willing to scour the entire area for donations wherever she can get them, including driving for an hour to personally pick up hundreds of baked goods for distribution. It is Barbara's belief, as she told my team, that the goodness of people always seems to come home. To anyone who has met Barbara, it is immediately apparent that she loves her community and strives to do what she can for those most in need. Every week, she calls each of her families and reads them a list of what's available in the pantry. And with COVID-19, Barbara has ensured a safe working environment for all of her volunteers and patrons by adapting to the new standards they must meet. Her volunteers have diligently followed safety protocols with masks and gloves. Mills County Storehouse has begun home deliveries for the first time in Barbara's time with them. And they have continued to meet the needs of their community despite increased demand. It is my distinct honor to name Barbara Kaiman as our Iowan of the Week, and thank her for her commitment to volunteering and ensuring food security for those families most in need. Although we do not know what the next months will bring, we know we can depend on those dedicated Iowans like Barbara to step up to the plate no matter what comes our way.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Vanessa Marcano-Kelly, owner of Caracas Language Solutions and passionate community activist, as our Iowan of the Week for the week of October 9, 2020. Each year, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide from September 15th to October 15th. It is an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the culture, traditions, and contributions of both Hispanic and Latinx Americans and shine a light on how these contributions have and continue to build our country and society for the better. Today there are nearly 195,000 Hispanic and Latinx Americans residing in Iowa--more than six percent of the state's population--and their families have enriched Iowa's culture and communities for generations. I have no doubt Vanessa's good work will leave its mark for generations to come. A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Vanessa is a certified court interpreter in the state of Iowa, owner and lead linguist at Caracas Language Solutions since 2015 and respected by many for her drive to improve the lives of others by breaking down the language barrier. She specializes in community, conference, and legal interpretation, as well as translation and subtitling. She began regularly interpreting and translating during her work as a community organizer for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement in 2012, and a year after realizing her passion for this profession, she obtained the Iowa Spanish Court Interpreter Certification, which she has held since 2015. In 2014 Vanessa was the recipient of the LULAC Iowa Latino Leadership award. She also graduated from the Latina Leadership Initiative in 2014 and earned a place on the New Leaders Council in Des Moines. She serves on the board of directors of the Des Moines Film Society and the inaugural board of the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice. Vanessa believes strongly in the importance of civic engagement and has utilized her skills and determination to make an impact. The pursuit of making her community a better place through positive action has led her to creating the first Spanish speaking caucus site in Iowa and becoming involved with organizations like the Latino Political Network and the Department of Latino Affairs. She's worked with Grand View University on a multi-day program to ensure the parents of prospective first-year college students not only had support but felt included and welcomed as they learned about their young adults' educational opportunities. Vanessa also spearheaded the effort to expand access to COVID-19 information through a live audio interpretation of the briefings in Spanish. I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the culture and contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx neighbors not only during Hispanic Heritage Month but also year-round. I am honored to be their voice in Congress, and I will never stop fighting for legislation that makes Iowa a better place for their families. Providing better access to opportunities and success for all Iowans is one of my primary goals while serving in Congress, and I have tremendous respect for how Vanessa approaches the same goal. Her work is opening doors, creating connections, and fostering a stronger sense of community in our state. The Hispanic and Latinx population is the fastest growing group of individuals in Iowa, and advocates like Vanessa have been working every day to make sure they have the representation they deserve. I want to thank Vanessa for her amazing efforts in Iowa's Third Congressional District, and it is my pleasure to recognize her as Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing a dedicated and community- minded young man from Treynor as this week's Iowan of the Week. Cameron Graber, a current student at the University of Iowa, was recently honored with the 2020 Spirit of the Relay Award from the American Cancer Society for the Iowa/Nebraska Area. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and an important time to remember the work we still have ahead of us to defeat this disease. According to the ACS, one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. The Spirit of the Relay Award recognizes people who have gone above and beyond to help the American Cancer Society in its mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. ACS has worked tirelessly to conduct research, educate, and provide support for all who have been, or may be touched by cancer. Since he was four years old, Cameron has volunteered with the American Cancer Society. His mother, Amy, inspired him and took him to his first Relay for Life at that young age. She's been an encouraging force for Cameron to continue volunteering within his community ever since. That first event set Cameron on a path to make a difference through volunteering with the American Cancer Society. As a young man, he has worked as a Team Captain and helped oversee and coordinate many aspects of publicity and marketing for Relay for Life and other fundraisers that bring in critical donations at ACS. Cameron has also carried his dedication to the cause with him while attending the University of Iowa. He is currently the Co-Chair of the National Campus Leadership Team that helps coordinate strategy and direction to the collegiate and high school fundraising programs across the country. He's a leader in the fight for millions of people in Iowa and across the globe who will be diagnosed. Cameron's dedication to volunteering and supporting the ACS is another example of the hard work, selflessness, and fortitude of Iowans. Growing up in a small, rural community like Treynor helped to shape Cameron's work ethic and his continued dedication to the American Cancer Society's cause has instilled in him the importance of helping others. It will be exciting to see how this young man continues to grow through his college education and beyond. I am proud to recognize Cameron for his devotion to supporting his community and causes that make a meaningful, local impact. I am even prouder knowing there are so many young people across southwest Iowa who are investing in their communities with this same passion and spirit. It is my honor to share Cameron Graber's story and recognize him as our Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Kellie Markey, the founder and executive director of Dorothy's House in Des Moines, as our Iowan of the Week for the week of October 16, 2020. Raised and educated in Iowa, Kellie moved back to Des Moines in 2011 and began volunteering in order to reconnect with her community. She started working with teen girls at Youth Emergency Services & Shelter (YESS) and began to learn more about not only the nature of abuse against kids in our area, but also the extreme challenges these individuals face as they age out of care systems and try to find success in the world without proper resources. Inspired by the hope and optimism of these young people who had endured so much hardship, Kellie became a foster parent for girls who had suffered abuse and sexual assault. The experience opened her eyes further to the challenges average people face in helping survivors stay safe and flourish. She also realized how little the crimes of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation are discussed in our communities, despite how present they are--and that there wasn't a place at the time that could house survivors and help them with their healing journey. That is when Kellie decided to found Dorothy's House. Dorothy's House was established to create a safe place in Iowa for survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation to get back on their feet and find resources, support, and the space they needed to take those next steps. They provide both residential and nonresidential programming, which for many includes substance abuse or mental health treatment. The mission of Dorothy's House is to support the individual. Because of this, they make sure to look at someone's profile and identify specifically how they can assist. Common personal goals and needs include physical health care, mental wellbeing, medication support, legal support, job skills, and so on. After identifying what specifically works for the individual's plan, Dorothy's House then surrounds that individual with resources to address and overcome deficiencies. Awareness is a major challenge when it comes to combating trafficking. It may be hard for people to believe, but the crime of trafficking is prevalent in Iowa. One of the main goals for Kellie and her team is to help people understand that this crime is happening, whether they are aware of it or not. It is underreported, yet it still happens right here in our towns and neighborhoods. By raising awareness of the issue and working with other advocates and law enforcement, Dorothy's House hopes to make it so difficult to transact that traffickers avoid Iowa altogether. Kellie has made it clear she was not trying to reinvent the wheel on resources when it came to Dorothy's House. We are fortunate that Polk County and Iowa have many organizations and groups that help participants remember their goals and help them to be independent and happy. Since it was founded, however, Dorothy's House has provided a remarkable opportunity for survivors to heal and for the community to stand up against abuse. Kellie's organization has already helped many, and I have no doubt her good work will continue to make a meaningful impact on everyone Dorothy's House serves. When Iowans identify a problem, they don't walk away from it; they take action and make a difference. Kellie felt called upon to work with struggling teens, to foster youth in need of a stable environment, and to found a unique organization dedicated to helping individuals who have endured unimaginable suffering. That sense of hope and optimism in the face of challenge runs deep in Iowans, and Kellie is no exception. She and the volunteers of Dorothy's House confront pain and challenges every day, yet they still manage to see silver linings and focus on the good--just like those they serve. I want to thank Kellie Markey and her amazing team at Dorothy's House for their compassion, complete dedication, and hard work in central Iowa, and it is my pleasure to recognize them as Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, Veterans Day offers Americans time each year to reflect on the service and sacrifices of our veterans, reminding us of the freedoms and values we might take for granted other days. This is the week for us to pay our respects to those who have served and stand united in respect for our veterans. That is why today, I rise to honor a veteran who is a shining example of what it means to serve both in uniform and in his community. I am proud to recognize Bernie Stone as Iowan of the Week. Bernie is the City Leader and Co-Founder of the Des Moines Chapter of Bunker Labs where he equips, mentors, and connects veterans and military spouses with resources to get them on the path to a successful business. He loves to help people achieve their goals and strives to help veterans find meaning and purpose after service. Bunker Labs is a national network of veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs dedicated to helping the military connected community start their own business. They are committed to seeing that every entrepreneur in the military- connected community has the network, tools, and resources they need. Bernie moved to Des Moines in 2015 after a 20-year Army career that ended at the Pentagon, where he served as a Russian affairs specialist. Throughout his military career Bernie gained high-level experience in foreign affairs and national security policy as well as extensive overseas experience in Europe, Central Asia, and East Asia. He has served in five U.S. Embassies and was awarded the Medal of Merit from the Republic of Lithuania. Bernie served our nation with honor and distinction. When he retired from military service and began the transition back into civilian life, he was surprised and disappointed to discover how difficult it was to find meaningful employment that would put his skills to use. Veterans find themselves in this circumstance all too often after service. In the face of that challenge, Bernie dedicated his skills to Bunker Labs so other veterans could overcome the same obstacle. Organizations like Bunker Labs and advocates for helping veterans gain meaningful employment and professional opportunity after military life show that our veterans have the grit, skills, and work ethic that can help any business grow and compete. It is important to thank veterans for their service and honor them with events and national observances, and even more important to help them find health, happiness, and success when they come home. I am committed to making sure our military families can reintegrate into civilian life, and I will continue to fight for legislation that ensures that our nation's veterans are taken care of. I thank Bernie and all of our veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving this great nation. It is my honor to recognize him as Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Sophie Homonoff, Director of Education at the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, as our Iowan of the Week for the week of October 2, 2020. Sophie is a mother, a lifelong teacher, and loves working with children. Originally from Des Moines, Sophie once attended the schools she now leads. When she and her family moved back to the area in 2012, she dedicated herself to volunteering at the Federation and eventually became its leader on their educational efforts. She recognized what a Jewish education had given to her as a kid and wanted to give that experience to others. Like most educators, Sophie juggles an incredible amount at work. She oversees Gan Shalom Preschool which serves young children from local Jewish and non-Jewish families five days per week. She runs the religious school, Beit Sefer Shalom, for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students. Sophie's team also offers two summer camps--one for little kids and one catered to school-aged children--so they have somewhere fun, safe, and engaging to spend time outside the classroom. Through their collective efforts, Sophie and her team serve more than 200 children each year. In addition to schools and camps, Sophie directs several programs to help young Iowans further grow in their faith and foster greater understanding in the community. Nearly eight years ago she launched the Madrichim program, a teenage leadership opportunity for 7th through 12th graders to serve as paid student aids, which grew to two dozen participants last year. Madrichim gain a stronger sense of identity and responsibility, learn as they teach and mentor younger children and those with special needs, and deepen ties within their congregation. A more recent addition is the Student-to-Student pilot project, where high school students from the Federation visit another high school, middle school, or religious institution classroom to educate others about Judaism in a 45-minute session. With same-aged peers speaking to one another about their experiences and asking questions in a safe environment, Sophie has found the program to increase knowledge and awareness while decreasing stereotypes and prejudice. She and her students are working on a video version of the program with Zoom Q&A so it may continue during the pandemic and expand to schools outside of central Iowa. This year COVID-19 has presented one significant challenge after another for families and schools. Sophie has guided her team through various adaptations in recent months so classroom and extracurricular activities can continue in a safe, effective manner for as many students as possible. They started summer camp online and eventually transitioned the entire program outdoors, rotating participants so kids could gather and play safely. For students engaged in online learning while their parents are at work, the Federation's education staff welcomed them to the facility to help them through the school day. They provide snacks, lunches, and care from teachers to navigate virtual education. When they get breaks the students can play outside and see friends, so they don't feel as isolated. Sophie's team also added an online component to the religious school to make sure no children fell behind. They're providing families balance and security when so much feels uncertain. I greatly admire people like Sophie who invest so thoughtfully in our children and our communities. Her leadership and hard work are creating strong ties across Des Moines during a time when we all must work together to build a more tolerant, inclusive, and empathetic future for all our neighbors. If you ask her what her focus is, Sophie will tell you it's to follow the Federation's mission of supporting and connecting the community and to make sure everyone is taken care of. You can see that focus in everything she does. Those who know Sophie say she doesn't receive nearly enough recognition for all the hard work she puts in to make the community stronger. It's my honor to celebrate her many contributions and name her our Iowan of the Week.

Mrs. AXNE

Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Eric Burmeister, Executive Director of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, as this week's Iowan of the Week for the week of September 25, 2020. Iowans have been through a lot recently. Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also experienced extreme drought, a derecho, and some communities are still recovering from last year's floods. One common issue families are facing as the result of each of those circumstances is a rise in housing insecurity, whether by damage to the home itself or loss of income to pay for housing. For far too many in our state, this basic human need is at risk. And if a basic need like housing isn't met, parents will struggle to maintain steady employment and children will not learn as well in school. There is no facet of life untouched by this issue. Eric Burmeister and his team at the Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) have been fighting tooth and nail to make sure our most vulnerable neighbors have somewhere stable to call home. Not only does the organization lead local efforts on planning, advocating, and funding for affordable housing in the state's most populous county, its team also finds meaningful ways to help individuals through housing challenges. Recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we've seen a dramatic increase in evictions in Polk County and across the state. To combat the issue, Burmeister, along with the PCHTF and Iowa Legal Aid, came up with a new program to help renters avoid eviction. Implemented nearly a month ago, the project is set up just outside Polk County's eviction court to connect tenants with legal assistance and immediate rental assistance. Funded by $800,000 from Polk County's share of federal CARES Act funding, the emergency program provides low-barrier funding that can cover rent through the end of September and as far back as March 15. Burmeister's goal for the program is to provide one more reinforcement in the safety net to help Polk County residents avoid homelessness during the pandemic. Since the program began Sept. 1, it's already helped prevent 61 evictions affecting 149 residents, 77 of them children. Eric has been involved in affordable housing advocacy for decades. He came to the PCHTF in 2010 after a thirty-year career in real estate development and finance. A graduate of Drake University Law School, he has represented developers of notable commercial and residential redevelopment projects in the Des Moines metro area, including the historic Kirkwood Hotel, Brown Camp Lofts, and the Newin Dairy Lofts. Burmeister also has a long history of involvement in the Des Moines community, serving in leadership positions with The Polk-Des Moines Taxpayers' Association, The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and most recently on the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of Grand View University where he teaches part-time in the business department. He stays active in several Des Moines neighborhood associations and is currently serving on steering committees as a community representative for affordable housing issues. Through his tireless dedication to addressing this issue and finding countless ways to get involved in his community, Eric shows us what it means to be an Iowan. Since before I took office, I've said the best problem solvers live right here in Iowa's third congressional district. Eric's sensible solution to help his neighbors avoid homelessness during a global pandemic is one more example of that fact. I'm forever proud of Iowans like him who have stepped up to the plate to help address this pressing issue. I will continue to promote and push for legislation in Congress that enables organizations like the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, Iowa Legal Aid, and advocates like Eric to work towards their goal of affordable housing and eradication of homelessness. It is my privilege to recognize Eric Burmeister as Iowan of the Week.