[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E48-E49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A BEACON-OF-HOPE FOR ALL AMERICANS: CHRISTINE McFADDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 7 , 1997

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, with the 1996 election behind us, this Nation 
has completed another cycle for the ongoing democratic process which 
makes America great. The electoral process and the public officials 
selected through this process are invaluable assets in our quest to 
promote the general welfare and to guarantee the right to life, 
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is important, however, Mr. 
Speaker, that we also give due recognition to the equally valuable 
contribution of nonelected leaders throughout our Nation. The fabric of 
our society is generally enhanced and enriched by the hard work done 
year after year by ordinary citizens. Especially in our inner city 
communities which suffer from long public policy neglect, local 
grassroots leaders provide invaluable service. These are men and women 
who engage in activities which generate hope. I salute all such heroes 
and heroines as Beacons-of-Hope.
  Christine McFadden is one of these Beacons-of-Hope residing in the 
central Brooklyn community of New York City and New York State. Ms. 
McFadden currently serves as the program director for Renaissance 
Development Corporation, a nonprofit social service agency whose focus 
is to help enhance the quality of life in the Brownsville community by 
providing a variety of services for the young and elderly.
  In addition to her work, Ms. McFadden's church is very special to 
her. She has often stated that her church allows her to serve God and 
mankind. As a member of the Macedonia Church, Christine McFadden has 
served on the board of trustees; mother's board; missionary board; 
senior choir; and is currently secretary of the building fund.
  Ms. McFadden's deep love and affection are evident in her tireless 
contributions to the Girl Scouts of America. This year will mark her 
39th year as a scout leader. Additionally, Ms. McFadden currently 
serves as the correspondence secretary for the Brownsville Tenant 
Council and is a member of the advisory board for Bay Center. She has 
also served on

[[Page E49]]

the auxiliary police; block watchers for the 73d precinct; and tenant 
patrol. In recognition of her commitment, Christine McFadden is also 
the recipient of numerous community and church awards and citations.
  Christine McFadden was born in Fuquay Springs, NC and at the age of 
14 moved to Brooklyn, NY where she completed her education. After 
marrying James McFadden, they moved to the Brownsville housing complex 
where they raised two daughters.
  Christine McFadden is a Beacon-of-Hope for central Brooklyn and for 
all Americans.

                          ____________________