Recognizing Connie Ballmer's Incredible Philanthropic Work

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Connie Ballmer for being the 2021 recipient of the YMCA's A.K. Guy Award, which is presented to an individual with outstanding volunteer service and dedication to social responsibility and equity and justice for all.

Connie Ballmer founded the Ballmer Group in 2015 with the mission of giving every child an equal chance to achieve the American dream. Since then, the Ballmer Group has worked diligently to remove economic barriers that prevent children from having equal access to education opportunities, housing, childcare, mental health resources, and healthcare. The Ballmer Groups has changed systems to allow every child to have equitable opportunities. Making these investments in our children now gives them the best chance at a successful future.

The Ballmer Group's mission has become even more important over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, as millions of families faced further economic strain. Without the incredible work of the Ballmer Group and the leadership of Mrs. Ballmer during COVID-19, many children would have completely lost access to resources critical to their development.

Under Connie's leadership, the Ballmer Group has been able to drastically change the lives of the next generation for the better. From making improvements to the foster care system to expanding access to behavioral health systems, the Ballmer Group has been on the forefront of tackling childhood poverty and ensuring every child has an equal chance to succeed.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege today to thank Connie Ballmer for the enormous contributions she has made to her community and congratulate her on being the 2021 recipient of the A.K. Guy Award.

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