President George W. Bush will meet Patricia Presson upon arrival in Seattle, Washington, on Friday, August 22, 2003.  For the past two years, Presson has volunteered with the Seattle Police Department’s Victim Support Team.

As part of the Victim Support Team, Presson volunteers each month lending support and comfort to victims of domestic violence.  Working with other volunteers, Presson visits with victims of domestic violence within hours of an incident to help them find solutions to immediate needs such as shelter, food or clothing.  She also provides victims with valuable information about important community resources and helps them establish a safety plan for themselves and other family members. 

Earlier this year, President Bush celebrated the first anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps – his initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation.  President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Presson, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility.  Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to volunteer service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world.  This summer, the USA Freedom Corps is helping individuals, families, and groups find opportunities to volunteer in their own neighborhoods or on vacations away from home through the new “How I Spent My Summer” initiative.   More information on these opportunities is available at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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