Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-21

HONORING KAY RUHSTALLER'S EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY

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Context

On 2026-05-21, Representative Josh Harder (D-CA-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING KAY RUHSTALLER'S EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING KAY RUHSTALLER'S EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E482] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING KAY RUHSTALLER'S EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY ______ HON. JOSH HARDER of california in the house of representatives Thursday, May 21, 2026 Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the extraordinary career of Kay Ruhstaller, Chief Executive Officer of the Family Resource Center in San Joaquin County. After more than three decades of transformational leadership, fearless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to children and families, Kay leaves behind a legacy that has strengthened countless lives across the Central Valley. As Chief Executive Officer of the Family Resource Center, Kay has led one of San Joaquin County's largest nonprofit organizations, stewarding a budget of more than $100 million and serving over 8,000 children each year. Under her guidance, the Family Resource Center became a statewide model for innovative, equity-driven, and collaborative approaches to strengthening families and supporting children. Kay's leadership has always been rooted in the belief that children and families are the foundation of a healthy community and that diversity is San Joaquin County's greatest strength. She advocated against cuts to SNAP and Medicare, expanded access to early learning opportunities, championed youth voice through the Teen IMPACT Center, and co-founded the San Joaquin Children's Alliance, helping secure more than $5 million in mental health funding for families following the pandemic. A leader who consistently turned insight into action, Kay helped establish 211 San Joaquin, which now supports more than 500,000 residents annually, strengthened trauma-informed services at the Family Justice Center, and oversaw the delivery of more than 4 million healthy meals to children. Her leadership also extended statewide through service on the First 5 San Joaquin Commission and the California Early Childhood Policy Council. In 2023, as the 13th female President of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, she elevated childcare as a workforce priority and strengthened partnerships across the region. At the heart of Kay's leadership is her dedication to lifting others, especially women. She is widely recognized as a generous mentor whose authenticity and steady guidance have helped emerging leaders find their voice and step into leadership roles. In recognition of her extraordinary service and impact, Kay received the 2025 ATHENA Award from the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kay Ruhstaller for her remarkable career and steadfast dedication to the people of San Joaquin County, and in wishing her all the best in her well-earned retirement. ____________________

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HONORING KAY RUHSTALLER'S EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E482] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING KAY RUHSTALLER'S EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY ______ HON. JOSH HARDER of california in the house of representatives Thursday, May 21, 2026 Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the extraordinary career of Kay Ruhstaller, Chief Executive Officer of the Family Resource Center in San Joaquin County. After more than three decades of transformational leadership, fearless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to children and families, Kay leaves behind a legacy that has strengthened countless lives across the Central Valley. As Chief Executive Officer of the Family Resource Center, Kay has led one of San Joaquin County's largest nonprofit organizations, stewarding a budget of more than $100 million and serving over 8,000 children each year. Under her guidance, the Family Resource Center became a statewide model for innovative, equity-driven, and collaborative approaches to strengthening families and supporting children. Kay's leadership has always been rooted in the belief that children and families are the foundation of a healthy community and that diversity is San Joaquin County's greatest strength. She advocated against cuts to SNAP and Medicare, expanded access to early learning opportunities, championed youth voice through the Teen IMPACT Center, and co-founded the San Joaquin Children's Alliance, helping secure more than $5 million in mental health funding for families following the pandemic. A leader who consistently turned insight into action, Kay helped establish 211 San Joaquin, which now supports more than 500,000 residents annually, strengthened trauma-informed services at the Family Justice Center, and oversaw the delivery of more than 4 million healthy meals to children. Her leadership also extended statewide through service on the First 5 San Joaquin Commission and the California Early Childhood Policy Council. In 2023, as the 13th female President of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, she elevated childcare as a workforce priority and strengthened partnerships across the region. At the heart of Kay's leadership is her dedication to lifting others, especially women. She is widely recognized as a generous mentor whose authenticity and steady guidance have helped emerging leaders find their voice and step into leadership roles. In recognition of her extraordinary service and impact, Kay received the 2025 ATHENA Award from the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kay Ruhstaller for her remarkable career and steadfast dedication to the people of San Joaquin County, and in wishing her all the best in her well-earned retirement. ____________________