[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 78 (Thursday, May 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E997-E998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      IN RECOGNITION OF THE MEXICAN-AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY FOUNDATION

                                 ______


                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 10, 1995
  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize 
the Mexican-American Opportunity Foundation [MAOF] as they inaugurate 
their new facilities on Thursday, May 11, 1995.
  MAOF was founded in 1962 by Mr. Dionicio Morales in Los Angeles, CA, 
and for over 33 years it has provided educational and charitable 
assistance to the general public and the Latino community. MAOF has 
developed and administered projects, programs, research and related 
activities on behalf of the socially and economically disadvantaged 
youth and adults of our community.
  One of the special projects began when Mr. Morales and MAOF 
recognized the plight of Latina women. Eighteen years ago, MAOF created 
``Visiones Hispanas'', a Hispanic women's conference that focuses on 
Hispanic women's needs and provides direction on career and education 
opportunities.
  In furthering their mission to assist economically disadvantaged 
individuals, MAOF has established child care development programs. MAOF 
founded these centers to provide a bilingual/bicultural learning 
environment for children. It is a developmental program where children, 
whether they speak only English or only Spanish, become an integral 
component of this educational interaction with the teachers. 
Additionally, MAOF sponsors child nutrition programs, in conjunction 
with their child [[Page E998]] care development centers, to ensure that 
the children are receiving a nutritious diet.
  In short, MAOF has been at the forefront of helping the people of the 
community advance and prosper through work and education.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I rise to recognize one of the 
finest community organizations in the country, the Mexican-American 
Opportunity Foundation, and its founder, Mr. Dionicio Morales. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating them and wishing them continued 
success in their new facility.


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