[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 50 (Thursday, April 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF ``LET'S CELEBRATE''--MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF 
                   JERSEY CITY RESIDENTS FOR 15 YEARS

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary organization, ``Let's Celebrate,'' which is committed to 
making a difference in the lives of the residents of Jersey City. Let's 
Celebrate's contributions will be recognized during festivities to be 
held at Casino in the Park Restaurant in North Bergen on April 25, 
1997.
  The mission of Let's Celebrate was born in 1981 when a small group of 
Jersey City clergy formed a coalition to combat hunger and 
homelessness. Their efforts decreased hunger and homelessness in Jersey 
City. This led to the incorporation of Let's Celebrate as a nonprofit 
organization dedicated to moving people from hunger to wholeness, in 
1982. Jersey City residents have become the beneficiaries of the 
enormous commitment and compassion of the visionaries who founded 
``Let's Celebrate.''
  The original mission of Let's Celebrate has been greatly expanded 
over the past 15 years. The first turn in the road toward self-
sufficiency, paved by the efforts of this organization, was the 
Emergency Food Network, a collection of food pantries focused on 
meeting the emergency food needs of both individuals and families. 
Within a short period of time, the need for prepared meals became 
obvious, due to the number of clients served by Let's Celebrate who did 
not have access to cooking facilities. Thus, The Square Meal Soup 
Kitchen was established on December 7, 1983, a day which will long be 
remembered by those who have since passed through their doors. 
Initially located at St. John's Reform Church on Fairview Avenue, The 
Square Meal moved to Christ Church United Methodist in Journal Square, 
where it remained until July 1991 when it then relocated to its 
original, and current, home at St. John's Reform Church.
  Later, Let's Celebrate's goal to reduce hunger expanded to include 
job training. With a major grant from United Parcel Service, as well as 
additional financial support from Philip Morris, the Job Power program 
was born. This training program in the culinary arts has graduated 85 
students ready to be productive members of the work force. In 1995 
Let's Celebrate instituted the Housing Plus program to assist 
individuals with special medical needs. This invaluable program enables 
clients to receive medical case management along with help on housing 
issues. Another service provided by Let's Celebrate is the G.E.D. 
program located at the Square Meal Community Center, providing area 
residents the opportunity pursue a high school diploma.
  It is an honor to have such an exceptional organization working in my 
district benefitting the underprivileged of Jersey City. Let's 
Celebrate has helped enhance the meaning of community service.
     

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