[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING BRONX SHEPHERDS RESTORATION CORPORATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 1998

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, a little more than a decade ago the Bronx 
Shepherds Restoration Corporation was organized by ministers and lay 
people to help save a borough that, while growing again, was in serious 
need of help. They decided that their goal would be to stimulate the 
physical, economic and social rehabilitation of their neighborhoods, 
while simultaneously providing spiritual sustenance and leadership.
  The Bronx Shepherds, who come from throughout the Bronx, chose an 
area to help that had many public housing projects and a growing number 
of families on public assistance. They have worked in many areas to 
help these people, from weatherization and job training to renovating 
vacant buildings and sponsoring and marketing homes for low- to middle-
income families. They also worked to complete a 267-unit condominium 
project in cooperation with the New York City Housing Partnership.
  A large part of the effort by the Bronx Shepherds has gone to 
training young people for jobs and helping them complete their 
education. More than 300 young people got their high school equivalency 
diplomas and the Bronx Shepherds trained another 300 in housing 
maintenance and repair. They also have programs to move children under 
6 who have tested positive for lead in their blood to safe homes and 
have initiated another program for the frail/elderly.
  The Bronx Shepherds are a model of what a group can do to help the 
community and the people in it. I am honored to stand here today to 
praise their many good works and their persistence in accomplishing 
them.

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