[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 125 (Friday, September 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

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                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 18, 1998

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
formation of an historical partnership between local government and a 
non-profit organization resulting in great overall benefits to the 
community.
  On Tuesday, June 30, 1998, I attended a ceremony at which a 
California municipality, Sand City, and a sheltered workshop for 
developmentally disabled adults, Gateway Industries, finalized an 
agreement which will accomplish goals central to each of the 
organizations. I am pleased to have been a part of crafting this 
accord. In it, Sand City has given the clientele of Gateway Industries 
an opportunity to demonstrate their individual strengths and abilities 
in the mainstream workforce. Gateway Industries will provide the 
support needed for each of its clients who takes a job in Sand City.
  Sand City will employ three individuals with developmental 
disabilities to help maintain its appearance. Tasks will include litter 
pickup, graffiti abatement, and general landscaping. The work program 
will be managed through the Sand City Public Works Department and Sand 
City Police Department. Gateway will be responsible for pre-employment 
screening, on-the-job training, and the facilitation of the 
relationship between employer and new employee.
  Not only are Sand City and Gateway Industries stronger for this, but 
the community benefits as well. It is a win-win-win situation! The 
program will create a better understanding of the needs of persons with 
developmental disabilities by city agencies, and by the members of the 
community at large. The City will improve in overall appearance and the 
employed Gateway clients will gain job experience, self-work and 
independence. I commend Sand City Mayor Dave Pendergrass, and Ken 
Caldwell of Gateway Industries for the vision it took to develop this 
forward-looking arrangement. I would urge other entities to take note 
and to follow their excellent lead.

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