Recognizing Keoki Kauanoe

Floor Speech

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Ms. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional member of the Thurston County, Washington, community. I would like to recognize Keoki Kauanoe and his dedication to supporting families in his role as Director of Father Engagement at Family Education and Support Services (FESS), as well as his work fighting for equity in Washington State.

A South Sound-based nonprofit 501c3 orqanization, FESS is focused on fostering positive child development and furnishing families with critical child-care and parental support resources. At FESS, Keoki has administered programs, trainings, and support services that connect parents with peer mentors, provide families with diapers and other child-care necessities, and offer evidence-based courses that promote healthy parenting practices.

Pulling from a diverse network of partner organizations across Washington State, FESS seeks to educate families and ensure healthy outcomes through community trainings. Among the many impactful community trainings offered by FESS is the Q.P.R. Suicide Prevention course, which gives individuals the tools that they need to identify warning signs and help those in crisis.

Aside from his work with FESS, Keoki sits on the board of the Equity in Education Coalition, which works to help close the opportunity gap for minority communities in Washington State, and serves on the Thurston County DEI Committee. Additionally, he is a member of the State's Department for Children, Youth and Families Citizens Review Panel, which develops and recommends actions aimed at protecting youth and preserving families.

I am proud to shine a spotlight on such a fierce advocate for youth, students, and families here in our South Sound community.

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