[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO ELAINE (DE LA TORRE) BERNARD AND CAROL DE LA TORRE 
                            OF GENESIS, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Elaine (De 
La Torre) Bernard and Carol De La Torre of GENESIS, Inc. for being 
recognized Business Women of the Year by the Central California 
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Top Female Owned Business by the 
California State Chamber of Commerce. As sisters and owners of Genesis, 
Elaine and Carol have made countless contributions to the community and 
are very deserving of recognition.
  For the past 10 years, Elaine Bernard and Carol De La Torre have 
dedicated their lives to Genesis, Inc., a non-profit organization that 
provides residential treatment, foster care and supportive family 
services to children who have been sexually, physically and/or 
emotionally abused, neglected or abandoned. The Genesis goal is to 
serve in the Fresno county area and community by providing 
interventions and building blocks for area youth and families. From the 
moment Genesis group homes opened their doors, there have been 
tremendous changes in the lives of many children.
  Originally, GENESIS, INC. opened one residential group home in Fresno 
to serve female adolescents who were predominately Hispanic and under-
served. The number of group homes has grown to six with over forty-two 
clients in placement. GENESIS also established three community schools 
to assist with their educational needs and goals. GENESIS has been 
committed to providing job opportunities to Valley residents and has 
prided itself on the ability to provide quality employment for both men 
and women of diverse culture and backgrounds. Furthermore, GENESIS has 
provided a learning environment for university interns and volunteers 
who receive valuable on-the-job training and experience under the 
supervision of highly skilled professionals.
  The California State Chamber of Commerce recognizes one top female 
owned business on an annual basis. On September 19, 1997 Genesis 
incorporated received this award under the criteria of success and 
contributions to the community. Genesis was chosen among 30 other 
nominations from around the state of California.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Elaine (De 
La Torre) Bernard and Carol De La Torre of Genesis, Inc. for over 10 
years of outstanding community service. It is the leadership and care 
exhibited by these two sisters that warrant this recognition. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in wishing Elaine (De La Torre) Bernard and Carol 
De La Torre many more years of success.

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