[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      AN IDEALISTIC MINISTRY THAT HELPS PROTECT CHILDREN'S WELFARE

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS C. SAWYER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 1994

  Mr. SAWYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the first 
anniversary of an idealistic ministry in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, that 
reaches out to serve children who are afflicted by violence, poverty, 
hunger, and distress. Sponsored by the Broadman Baptist Church of 
Cuyahoga Falls, the ``For Kids'' ministry has won our community's 
admiration as an energetic advocate for children's welfare and families 
spiritual strength. For Kids provides an invaluable public service by 
increasing our awareness of the concerns of troubled youths.
  For Kids was organized after a tragedy that shocked and saddened our 
entire community: the death of 3-year-old Sheila Marie Evans, who had 
been victimized by child abuse. Out of that tragedy came an increased 
determination to strengthen our society's values, focusing even greater 
efforts on safeguarding children's well-being. During its first year of 
service, For Kids has become an inspiration for all those who seek to 
protect children's welfare.
  The education and advocacy work of the For Kids initiative has been 
recognized by the Children's Defense Fund as a good model for similar 
outreach efforts around the Nation. Through its series of conferences, 
public speakers, newsletters and training sessions for parents, For 
Kids has begun to address the range of social concerns that afflict so 
many of our young people today: teenage pregnancy, child abuse, 
poverty, hunger, and violence.
  No single group, on its own, can conquer such pervasive social ills. 
But groups like For Kids can help educate families and children, and 
the broader public, about ways to overcome our society's chronic 
problems. By enlisting the entire community to think more deeply about 
children's needs, For Kids has made a profound contribution to the goal 
of stronger families and healthier children.
  I am sure that all Ohioans join me in saluting the accomplishments of 
the first year of For Kids. And I am sure that all Ohioans join me in 
wishing the many more years of continued success for the Broadman 
Baptist Church--led by Pastor Jeffrey Warren Scott--in its efforts to 
promote children's health, well-being, spiritual awareness, and 
education.

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