[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO KATHRYN ELIZABETH RICHARDSON TYLER: CELEBRATING A 
                       LIFE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 1995
  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, May 15, 1995, the city of 
Cleveland will celebrate the dedication of a new building addition to 
the Kathryn R. Tyler Neighborhood Center. The dedication ceremony will 
celebrate the strong commitment and vision of an individual who 
dedicated her life to serving the community and improving the lives of 
others.
  The Cleveland community mourned the passing of Kathryn Elizabeth 
Richardson Tyler on April 5, 1995. For 32 years, Mrs. Tyler served as 
Administrator of the Kathryn Tyler Neighborhood Center. As we gather to 
break ground for the new building addition, we acknowledge her enormous 
contributions to our ceremony. I am proud to join the community for the 
special dedication ceremony. I wish to share with my colleagues and the 
Nation some information regarding Kathryn Tyler.
  Mr. Speaker, Kathryn Elizabeth Richardson Tyler was born in Dawson, 
GA, and attended college in Knoxville, TN. She received two master 
degrees; the first was a Masters of Social Work from Atlanta 
University; and the second was a Masters of Social Work Administration 
from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
  Early in her professional career, Kathryn Tyler was a teacher in 
Sheffield, AL. She was also an instructor of social science at Albany 
State College, and North Carolina A&T College. Further, Mrs. Tyler 
served as Director of Field Services in the Mediterranean and European 
theaters during World War II for the American Red Cross.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout her life, Kathryn Tyler exhibited a concern 
for the social welfare of the community. Shortly after relocating to 
the Cleveland area, Mrs. Tyler founded and served as the first Director 
of the Glenville Neighborhood and Community Centers. She ran the 
operation out of store fronts and in the old Glenville High School. 
However, Kathryn Tyler never gave up on the dream of a permanent home 
to address the needs of the community through basic social work.
  In 1976, the Kathryn Tyler Neighborhood Center was named in honor of 
this individual's tireless efforts and commitment to the community 
where she resided and served. During her 32 years as Administrator of 
the Center, the Cleveland community benefited from important programs 
such as after school tutorial programs and Head Start for the children; 
mental health outreach services for families; adult education and job 
training classes for individuals throughout the community; and special 
programs to serve the elderly population.
  Mr. Speaker, Kathryn Elizabeth Richardson Tyler was a beacon of light 
in our community. She had a love of people and a special gift of 
reaching out to those in need. Mrs. Tyler lived by the adage, ``Have a 
dream . . . and reach for it.'' Due to her lifelong efforts, the 
community is better able to reach out to individuals and families in 
need. More importantly, because of Kathryn Tyler, our children have 
brighter and more promising futures. I was privileged to have known 
Kathryn Tyler. She was a close friend and someone whom I greatly 
admired.
  I am proud to participate in the ground breaking ceremony for the new 
addition to the Kathryn Tyler Neighborhood Center. It represents a 
special tribute to an individual who dedicated her life to serving 
others.


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