HONORING CARLOS AND ELIZABETH MUNOZ

On 2026-08-20, Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING CARLOS AND ELIZABETH MUNOZ" in the House.

HONORING CARLOS AND ELIZABETH MUNOZ

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E793] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CARLOS AND ELIZABETH MUNOZ ______ HON. JUAN VARGAS of california in the house of representatives Thursday, August 20, 2026 Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two outstanding members of our community, Carlos and Elizabeth Munoz, as our Constituents of the Month. Carlos and Elizabeth are the founders of Jr's Trauma Care Initiative, a non-profit organization that connects individuals and families to mental health services. Jr's Trauma Care Initiative also provides critical outreach initiatives, including a mentorship for at-risk youth, camps to help children develop the skills they need to thrive, and response teams that provide peer-to-peer support and guidance to communities in the wake of a traumatic event. Carlos and Elizabeth opened Jr's Trauma Care Initiative in memory of their son, Juan Carlos Munoz, Jr., who was killed in a random act of violence in 2015. He was an eighteen-year-old with a bright future. He aspired to become a mental health professional and help others. After his death, his family found that services were not easily available. They created Jr's Trauma Care Initiative to be part of the solution and ensure that families and individuals seeking support and care have access to the resources they need. Carlos and Elizabeth have made a lasting impact on our communities through their tireless work to connect individuals with trauma-informed care, mental health resources, mentoring programs, and a safe space to process, heal, and grow. They have made California's 52nd Congressional District stronger and touched so many lives. It is a privilege to recognize Carlos and Elizabeth Munoz's service to our community as well as honor the life and legacy of their son, Juan Carlos Munoz, Jr. He will always be remembered. ____________________