TRIBUTE TO MARYALICE CROFTON

On 2025-03-05, Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO MARYALICE CROFTON" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO MARYALICE CROFTON

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S1577] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO MARYALICE CROFTON Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, the spirit of volunteerism is one of Maine's greatest strengths. For the past 30 years, that spirit has been nurtured and enhanced by Volunteer Maine Executive Director Maryalice Crofton, and I join people throughout our State in honoring Maryalice for her outstanding leadership and in wishing her all the best in her retirement. Volunteer Maine is our State's National Service Commission that supports AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. During Maryalice's tenure, which began just 1 year after those programs were launched, more than 4,200 individuals have served as Maine volunteers, contributing more than 3.9 million hours to support housing, education, environmental conservation, healthcare, childcare, and emergency preparedness efforts across our State. While increasing their job skills and knowledge, student volunteers have earned nearly $27 million in awards to further their educations. In addition to advancing the well-being of Mainers and expanding civic engagement, Maryalice has been an innovative leader at the national level helping to shape workforce development and public- private initiatives. She has been instrumental in efforts to ensure that national service programs are guided by community priorities and local concerns. At an event celebrating the 30th anniversary of AmeriCorps last year, Maryalice described the importance of people stepping forward to address unmet needs in their communities with these words: ``If you're thinking that someone else will take care of it, that's probably not true. You've got to get out there.'' With Maryalice Crofton leading the way, Maine's AmeriCorps volunteers have gotten out there and made a real difference. Her exceptional spirit of service to others will inspire volunteers for years to come. ____________________