[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING PROJECT INFO COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 
      25TH ANNIVERSARY, AND MOCTESUMA ESPARZA AND DR. NELBA CHAVEZ

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                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding and 
invaluable community service organization, Project INFO, located in my 
congressional district. On Thursday, October 9, 1997, Project INFO will 
celebrate 25 years of dedicated community service.
  Established in 1972 as a private nonprofit organization, Project INFO 
responded to the call for help from the Whittier Union High School 
District to assist in the prevention of student drug abuse. Since its 
inception, its purpose has been to strengthen the family unit by 
promoting mental health and well-being through proactive programs of 
education, prevention, and early intervention, and to strengthen the 
individual through personal development. Project INFO programs are 
particularly sensitive to the multicultural communities it serves.
  Since 1972, Project INFO has expanded its services in a variety of 
areas to meet the needs challenging today's families. Most services are 
delivered by bilingual/bicultural staff. Project INFO offers eight 
different programs.
  Windows/Ventanas is a program which works with families on developing 
communication skills. This program has been honored by State and 
national organizations for its effectiveness in the prevention of 
substance abuse through the strengthening of families.
  Through drop-in centers located in the cities of El Monte, La Puente, 
and Glendora, Community Prevention and Recovery Programs [CPRP] offers 
a full range of alcohol prevention and recovery services. Each site has 
tailored a program to address its community's needs. At the El Monte 
site a domestic violence program for ``batterers'' called Domestic & 
Other Violence Education [DOVE] has been created to address the needs 
expressed by the judicial system and the community. The La Puente site 
initiated a Youth Federation to develop student leadership and Glendora 
has created a support group for middle school children.
  Serving People In Recovery & In Transition [SPIRIT] is an outpatient 
drug free counseling program for recovering addicts and their families. 
This program is offered for both juveniles and adults. Counseling 
services are offered in all six schools of the Whittier Union High 
School District.
  Building Employment Skills Training [BEST] is a program funded by the 
Job Training Partnership Act to provide job training and placement for 
economically disadvantaged individuals through partnerships with 
private employers.
  Assistance with Alcohol and Sobriety Uniting Latinas [AASUL] is a 
media campaign designed to educate Latinas in California about alcohol 
abuse and related problems and offers a network of support services.
  Child Abuse Risk Intervention and Neighborhood Outreach [CARINO], 
Spanish for ``tender affection'', is a program that works with families 
to prevent and break the cycle of child abuse.
  Challenging Latinos to Access Resource Opportunities [CLARO] uses 
positive role models and culturally appropriate support groups to 
challenge high-risk male youth to explore alternatives and prevent 
involvement in gang, alcohol and drug abuse, premature and/or 
irresponsible sexual activity and teen pregnancy. A pilot program, Self 
Empowerment Resources to Educate, Nurture and Advocate [SERENA], was 
developed to address, in a gender appropriate manner, the prevention 
strategies of CLARO for high-risk female youth.
  Community Organizations Linking Optimum Resource Services [COLORS] is 
a family preservation program designed to provide a strong base of 
support for families dealing with abuse and neglect.
  To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Project INFO, a special dinner 
will be held tonight. The theme of this year's celebration is ``Twenty-
Five Years of Touching Lives.'' Through its outstanding programs, 
Project INFO has provided exemplary service, addressing the vast and 
difficult barriers that our young people and families confront each 
day. Fortunately for those youth and families in need of assistance and 
guidance, for 25 years Project INFO has remained solidly committed to 
reaching out and touching those lives.
  Also, tonight, Project INFO will honor Moctesuma Esparza and Dr. 
Nelba Chavez for their contributions to Project INFO and its mission. 
Moctesuma Esparza, a well known talented movie producer, has dedicated 
his time as a guest speaker at the Project INFO youth conferences, 
leaving a lasting impression on the youth participants. Dr. Nelba 
Chavez, Administrator for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, has been a 
strong supporter of Project INFO and has spoken at several conferences 
for women sponsored by Project INFO.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I rise to recognize Project INFO 
for its 25 years of unwavering dedication to the needs of our youth and 
families and tonight's honorees, Moctesuma Esparza and Dr. Nelba 
Chavez. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting this fine 
organization and sending our gratitude and congratulations to the 
honorees and Project INFO on its 25th anniversary.

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