The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING PATTEE COLVIN AS A 28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE
YEAR
______
HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 26, 2021
Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Pattee Colvin in the Sunland neighborhood area of Los Angeles, California.
Pattee is the founder of Making It Happen, a food and clothing pantry in Sunland whose mission is to help those in need.
Ms. Colvin's motivation for founding Making It Happen is truly inspiring. Pattee worked for a local business for many years, but in 1999, when she became disabled, she lost her job and home. For several years, Pattee lived outdoors in the rugged Sunland-Tujunga ``wash'' while also maintaining a job at a local answering service company. As a member of the Chapel of the Hills Church in Sunland since 2002 who lived off the food provided from the church's hot meal program, in 2007, Pattee's life truly turned around, in large part due to the church. She enrolled in the church's Christian Sobriety Program, a program that she subsequently ran for several years and found new employment at Suzuki Insurance Company, a local business where she currently works. Homeless for many years, Pattee bought her own mobile home in Sunland in 2015.
In 2013, Ms. Colvin created Making It Happen located at the Chapel of the Hills Church in Sunland. Since its inception, Making It Happen has expanded to include housing assistance and free health clinics. In addition, the non-profit participates in events focused on community assistance, such as the Homeless Connect Days, and supports Sunland-
Tujunga schools by sponsoring Back-to-School events and a Family Christmas Celebration for the homeless and underserved children.
When the coronavirus pandemic began, there was an enormous increase in demand for food and meals, and their Saturday food pantry attendance grew from about 60 individuals and their families to almost 200 individuals and their families. At the height of the pandemic, their Sunday Hot Meal program increased from 75 people to 200 people. Stepping up to the challenge, the organization began offering a weekday lunch program, which included meal deliveries, and in response to COVID-19 safety protocols, changed the manner in which they serve the needy; from a walk-through pantry and seated dinners to a drive-through and delivery.
Along with giving back to the community through Making It Happen, Pattee enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and friends.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional, well-respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Pattee Colvin.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 130
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