[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 131 (Friday, September 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1667-E1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE PUERTO RICAN ASSOCIATION FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: FOR 
        YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the 
Puerto Rican Association for Human Development [PRAHD] for their 
endless contributions to Hispanic communities throughout New Jersey. 
For years, this agency has been committed to improving the standard of 
living of Hispanic families through the implementation of programs and 
services geared to address social, economic, health, and educational 
status. On September 21, 1996, PRAHD will be sponsoring the 10th Annual 
Roberto Clemente banquet, honoring four professionals and one business 
institution for their outstanding public service and community 
involvement.
  Founded in 1974 as a charitable organization by the Hispanic 
leadership of the Perth

[[Page E1668]]

Amboy area, the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development operates 
multiple service programs, such as day-care services, educational 
tutoring, emergency legal, housing, and medical assistance, drug 
prevention, youth and family counseling, and various senior services 
which serve more than 12,000 people annually. The agency is actively 
involved in creating alliances with other organizations to help 
revitalize communities by developing leadership and assisting people to 
link their needs with resources.
  Since its inception, PRAHD has expanded to become a comprehensive 
service agency with a budget of over $1.6 million through funding from 
Federal, State, county, and city governments; the United Way of New 
Jersey; the United Way of TriCounty/IBM; the Turrell Fund; local 
corporations; and individual donors. The agency is governed by an 11-
member board of directors selected from the community and is 
administered by Executive Director Lydia Trinidad, who is also PRAHD's 
chief executive officer. PRAHD also relies on the support and effort of 
community volunteers who work in all areas of agency operations.
  This year's annual banquet sponsored by PRAHD will honor Eduardo 
Trujillo, president of ETC Enterprises, as outstanding business person; 
Dr. Jaime Santamaria, director of Santamaria/Kung Eye Center, as 
outstanding professional; Sgt. Benjamin Ruiz of the Perth Amboy Police 
Department, for outstanding law enforcement; Eladio Ruiz III, president 
of Amboy Florist, as outstanding volunteer; and the Corestates New 
Jersey National Bank will receive the Roberto Clemente Special 
Corporate Award.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the outstanding work 
of the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development and those honored 
at its annual banquet. I further commend their accomplishments and 
encourage them to continue to serve their communities for many more 
years to come.