[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 199 (Thursday, December 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2355]]


  IN HONOR OF GIRMA ZAID, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN EMERITUS OF THE GRACE 
                       WAITING HOME FOR CHILDREN

                                 ______


                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 13, 1995

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Girma Zaid, a 
caring, committed man who has dedicated his life to improving the 
plight of abused and neglected children.
  Girma began to acquire the educational tools needed for his crusade 
for children at Long Beach City College and California State 
University-Long Beach, where he earned his associate and bachelor of 
arts degrees in sociology. Zaid continued his education at the 
University of California, earning his master of social work degree in 
1984.
  In 1975 Girma combined his education with a compassion for children 
as a children's services worker with the Los Angeles County Department 
of Public Social Services. Here he counseled at-risk children awaiting 
reunification with their families and developed therapeutic programs 
for them. Girma's hard work and dedication were rewarded in 1981 when 
he was promoted to supervisor of children's treatment counselors, a job 
in which he supervised a residential facility for neglected and at-risk 
children. His star continued to rise in 1985 with his elevation to 
deputy children's services administrator for the Los Angeles County 
Department of Children's Services. As administrator Girma was 
responsible for the supervision of children's services for more than 
2,000 abused and neglected children. He also supervised 100 social 
workers, caseworkers, and related personnel.
  Zaid's crusade took him to the Bay area in 1988 as program manager 
for the Black Adoption Placement and Research Center, where he 
developed, implemented, and supervised a therapeutic foster care 
program and helped review ethnically-matched and culturally-appropriate 
homes for dependent children. While in the Bay area Zaid also served as 
assistant director of the Department of Social Services for the city 
and county of San Francisco. He returned to the Los Angeles County 
Department of Children's Services in 1991 as the deputy administrator 
for the adoptions division.
  One of Girma's crowning achievements came in January 1992, when he 
founded the Grace Home for Waiting Children and assumed the role of 
executive director. On behalf of Grace Home Girma worked with the Los 
Angeles County Department of Children's Services, community leaders, 
and elected officials to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for 
abused and neglected children. He provided in-service training as well 
as foster parent training, and monitored clinical program activities. 
Today Grace Home has three offices in Los Angeles County--Inglewood, 
Long Beach, and Panorama City. Offices will soon be opened throughout 
the State in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Sacramento.
  Under Girma's leadership, Grace Home is also expanding its operations 
nationwide, with offices opening in Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Las 
Vegas, NV; and Milwaukee, WI. Girma has also traveled to Ethiopia and 
Eritrea in East Africa to set up programs for displaced children. He is 
currently utilizing his experience and talents as CEO of Management 
Services International, a consulting firm which plans, develops, and 
implements innovative child welfare programs both in the United States 
and abroad.
  Despite his busy work schedule, Zaid has found time to serve on 
several boards, including the International Foster Care Organization, 
the PROVIDERS South Central Los Angeles Residential Facility, and the 
Martin Luther King Drew Community Advisory Counsel.
  Mr. Speaker, California and the Nation owe a debt of gratitude to 
Girma Zaid's pioneering work with foster children. His deep commitment 
to improving the lives of abused and neglected children greatly 
benefits all of us. I ask that you join me, Mr. Speaker, in paying 
tribute to this tireless and compassionate crusader for children.

                          ____________________