[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. JAMES ROUNDTREE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 1997

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. James 
Roundtree, an individual who is dedicated to helping others in the 
South Bronx community.
  Mr. Roundtree is currently the director of St. Benedict the Moor 
Neighborhood Center, a grassroots organizations which provides 
assistance to people living with AIDS and with substance abuse 
problems.
  At the center, located on St. Ann's Avenue, hot meals are served to 
200 people a day, 5 days a week. The center also provides referrals to 
medical facilities, housing, and 12-step programs for victims of 
substance abuse problems.
  The center is funded in part by donations. Some of the center's staff 
are paid by the national Americorps Program; however, many workers are 
volunteers.
  Mr. Roundtree became the director of the center after Rev. Roger 
Ciglio, the founder of the program, passed away in 1990. Once a patient 
of the center himself, Mr. Roundtree has been committed to giving back 
to those in need.
  Over the past 7 years, Mr. Roundtree has been a friend, a counselor, 
and an inspiration for many who, like him, have been victims of 
substance abuse.
  Mr. Roundtree says that he does not give up on anybody. He knows 
first hand the difficult challenges faced by recovering victims.
  St. Benedict the Moor Neighborhood Center formed a coalition with St. 
Ann's Church, Public School 30, and the Parks Council, to revitalize 
the area surrounding the center--the Mott Haven community. The 
coalition created a garden from 139th to 140th Street. Recovering 
patients take part in a gardening program as part of their therapy 
sessions. The garden is now visited by students and families with 
children. It is also the home for summer jazz concerts.
  Mr. Roundtree may leave the center because of health reasons. His 
contributions to the community have not gone unnoticed and will not be 
forgotten. They are encouraging to the many individuals he has helped 
and for those who may follow in his footsteps.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. James 
Roundtree for his compassion and dedication to helping others in our 
South Bronx community.

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