[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF LYDIA TRINIDAD: A DISTINGUISHED WOMAN AND TRUE HUMANITARIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding woman, Ms. Lydia Trinidad, who has distinguished herself 
through selfless dedication to the residents of my home State of New 
Jersey. Ms. Trinidad's efforts to further the course of personal 
development will be recognized at the 17th Annual Humanitarian Awards 
Dinner of the central New Jersey Chapter of the National Conference on 
June 12 at the Landmark Inn in Woodbridge, NJ.
  Tomorrow's celebration is another milestone in a lifetime of service 
to others. For 23 years, Ms. Trinidad has worked tirelessly as an 
advocate for the lives of low-income families and individuals, a 
segment of our society whose needs are often overlooked. In 1980 Ms. 
Trinidad joined the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development 
[PRAHD], then a small community organization. As executive director 
since 1981, she expanded PRAHD to the comprehensive social services 
agency it is today, serving 12,000 people annually through its 18 
programs. Ms. Trinidad's firm commitment to individual development, 
family advocacy, and the need for intergenerational interaction 
permeates every facet of this highly respected organization. Under Ms. 
Trinidad's direction, PRAHD has become a significant source of 
employment in the central New Jersey area.
  Born on the island of Puerto Rico, Ms. Trinidad moved to Perth Amboy, 
NJ, in 1959 where she still resides. Ms. Trinidad graduated from 
Montclair State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in 
sociology. She has chosen to further her education through 
participation in a number of training programs and seminars in social 
work, management, business, and bilingual education. Prior to her 
tenure with PRAHD, Ms. Trinidad served as a counselor/advocate at the 
Middlesex County shelter as well as assistant manager of the Community 
Chapel Home in Perth Amboy.
  Personally active in the community, Ms. Trinidad sits on various 
boards, committees, and civic groups including: the William Paterson 
College Board of Trustees, the Raritan Bay Medical Center Board of 
Directors, State of New Jersey Department of Human Services Hispanic 
Advisory Committee, the Central N.J. Chapter of the National 
Conference--formerly National Conference of Christians and Jews--the 
Middlesex County REACH Advisory Committee, the State of New Jersey 
Juvenile Intensive Supervision Program Advisory Council, and the Puerto 
Rican Congress of New Jersey as board secretary.
  Ms. Trinidad has been recognized for her achievements by various 
awards, including the William Paterson College Presidents Medal; the 
City of Perth Amboy's Key to the City; the Community Empowerment Award 
from the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc.; Woman of 
Excellence Award for the Middlesex County Commission of the Status of 
Women, and the Ariel Trophy from the American Association of Writers 
Journalists.
  It is a privilege to have such a considerate and caring person and 
working on behalf of the residents of my district. Ms. Trinidad 
exemplifies the ideal of community service at its best. I am certain my 
colleagues will rise with me and honor this remarkable individual.

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