[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E841-E842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CHRISTINE BURROUGHS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 16, 2006

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in gratitude to 
recognize the continued extraordinary achievements, community 
leadership and contributions of Christine Burroughs, Director of 
InnVision the Way Home. InnVision is a leading provider of services for 
homeless and low-income individuals and families in Santa Clara County.
  Ms. Burroughs has successfully led InnVision the Way Home since 1991. 
During

[[Page E842]]

her tenure, she has grown the organization from a small, grass-roots 
agency into a leading provider of housing and support services to over 
16,000 homeless individuals and families in Santa Clara and San Mateo 
Counties. She managed a staff of 115 at 20 sites with an annual 
operating budget of $10 million and $17 million in assets. She 
spearheaded the development of many community partnerships and at least 
12 capital projects including the building and/or rehabilitation of 
various shelters, transitional housing facilities, permanent affordable 
apartments and multi-service centers. Program development included: 
mental health services, alcohol/drug rehabilitation, job training and 
children's activities for all ages.
  In 1997, Ms. Burroughs was honored as a ``Woman of Achievement'' by 
the San Jose Mercury News (Women's Fund) and received commendations 
from City and County officials, as well as the Management Center in San 
Francisco. In 2004 and 2005, San Jose Magazine heralded her as one of 
Silicon Valley's Power 100. Currently, as a member of the San Jose 
Rotary Club, she serves on 2 committees whose focus is youth 
development. She is also a long-time member of First Presbyterian 
Church of San Jose and has served in leadership roles on various local 
coalitions and boards advocating for the homeless. Christine is a new 
board member of the Children's Musical Theatre in San Jose.
  Ms. Burroughs paved ``the way home'' for countless people in need of 
assistance so as to improve their struggle for independence, freedom 
and dignity. Hope is the mainstay of achieving success, and Ms. 
Burroughs provided that element of strength for so many individuals and 
families.
  Ms. Burroughs portrayed a pillar of strength, solidarity and 
integrity, by which all who met her (service providers or beneficiaries 
of services) became transformed to reach a better plan in life. She has 
been a tireless advocate for those persons unable to share their voice 
for themselves or their families. I hereby honor Christine Burroughs, 
on this special day of her retirement and wish her all the best in the 
years to come.

                          ____________________