[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 59 (Thursday, March 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY HUMAN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

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                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 1995
  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a wonderful 
organization within my congressional district that is celebrating its 
30th anniversary this year. The Human Development Commission has been 
ably led since 1979 by its executive director, Mary Ann Vandemark, whom 
I have had the privilege to know for a number of years. The work that 
HDC performs for the people of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola 
counties is most important, and the public support for HDC is a sincere 
testimony to the organization's worth.
  HDC evolved from the Thumb Area Economic Opportunity Commission, 
which was created when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Economic 
Opportunity Act of 1965. A full-color photograph of that historic 
signing hangs today in HDC's board room, and it has witnessed many 
decisions which have served to help those in need in Michigan's Thumb 
area. Among the effects of those decisions were the local creation of 
Head Start, the Neighborhood Youth Corps, and Family Counseling 
Programs. Today, HDC serves its population with over 40 programs, 
ranging from Assault Crisis Intervention to weatherization services, 
and is a leading member of the National Community Action network of 
nearly 1,000 agencies.
  The Human Development Commission has faithfully served Michigan's 
Thumb area for 30 years, providing employment for thousands of area 
citizens, hundreds of whom have come from low-income categories, and 
has returned millions of dollars to its local communities through 
housing rehabilitation and construction, through food and nutrition 
services, and through dozens of services extended to the aging 
population.
  HDC has been guided by the watchful, skilled, and sightful eyes of 
chairman LeeRoy Clark, a 30-year board member, commissioner Robert 
(Bob) Russell, a 30-year board member, executive director Mary Ann 
Vandemark, current president of the National Association of Community 
Action Agencies, and dozens of able board and advisory council members. 
HDC has consistently brought together government, business, and social 
segments of society for the purpose of creating new and ever more 
effective service delivery networks.
  I am proud and honored to count the people of the Human Development 
Commission among the large number of Americans who make a positive 
difference in this country. Let us pay tribute to the Human Development 
Commission on its 30th anniversary, recognize its outstanding work on 
behalf of all people, and encourage its efforts to be extended well 
into the future.


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