[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 73 (Monday, June 13, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  A TRIBUTE TO THE EMPLOYMENT PROJECT GRADUATES--A PROGRAM TO EDUCATE 
                        PHILADELPHIA'S HOMELESS

                                 ______


                        HON. LUCIEN E. BLACKWELL

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 1994

  Mr. BLACKWELL. Mr. Speaker, I come before this body today to share 
good news as I invite my colleagues to join me in extending heartfelt 
congratulations to 27 Philadelphia adults who have overcome numerous 
obstacles and many hardships to achieve the honor that will soon be 
bestowed upon them.
  On June 11, 1994, 27 homeless but not hopeless adults who currently 
reside in Philadelphia's homeless shelters will graduate from the 
employment project's Employability Skills Training Program. This 
program is successful because of the strong leadership of its director, 
Ms. Leona Smith, and the unwaivering support of the assistant director, 
Mr. Lee Valenti Wilson; Ms. Ida M. Flanders, who is an instructor; and 
Ms. Renee Outin, who serves as a job specialist. The employment project 
was established to provide homeless individuals the means by which to 
become self sufficient in their struggle to survive daily and 
especially with their desire to obtain employment as they work their 
way back into the mainstream of our society.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in extending congratulations to each of 
the following graduates: Mr. Tyrone Cain, Ms. Sharon Dantzler, Mr. 
Kevin Ruthland, Mrs. Lana Waters, Ms. Loretta Burns, Mr. Joseph 
Franklin, Ms. Eileen Robinson, Ms. Lillie Armstrong, Ms. Loretta 
Henderson, Mr. Calvin Hines, Ms. Carol Johnson, Ms. Alicia Morgan, Mr. 
Keith Rollins, Ms. Donna Walton, Ms. Brenda Cerdan, Mr. Raymond Jones, 
Mr. Beauford Sewell, Ms. Melissa Allen, Ms. JoAnn Cross, Mr. Conrad 
Garland, Mr. Kevin Williams, Ms. Linda Harper, Mr. Michael Henderson, 
Ms. April Jackson, Mr. Floyd McKinney, Ms. Christine Pepe, and Ms. Dawn 
Wood.
  Words cannot describe my delight as I give praise to God for lifting 
these men and women to a most honored place in their lives. The 
advancement of these individuals will send a clear message to others in 
the community, that all is not lost for the good news of this 
graduation will carry these individuals far as they struggle to improve 
the quality of their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, the employment project participants can now realize that 
there is always hope for those who are serious, determined and 
committed to the goals and objectives they seek. The situation in life 
should never stand in the way of progress and each of these graduates 
are living witnesses. If we all work together to uplift the spirits, 
and motivate and encourage the many individuals who are less fortunate, 
I am confident that the good news will echo throughout the world 
prompting others to follow in the footsteps of these 27 graduates. 
Thomas Jefferson once said that if we ``Enlighten the people generally 
* * * tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil 
spirits at the dawn of day.'' Good news, Mr. Speaker, good news.
  Again, I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in honoring, and 
sending forth encouragement for each individual to be strong and keep 
up the good work.

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