[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING FRESNO RESCUE MISSION ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 1999

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fresno 
Rescue Mission on occasion of its 50th anniversary, and its plans for 
expansion. The mission has long served the homeless and downtrodden of 
Fresno.
  The Rescue Mission began in 1949 as a non-profit religious 
organization to be an arm of the churches of Fresno County. Over the 
past 50 years, the mission has been open 24-hours-a-day 365-days-a-year 
helping the destitute of Fresno, with three meals a day, shelter, 
clothing, bedding, appliances and furniture, all free of charge.
  Though it began as a ``men only'' organization, over the years, the 
mission has progressed to helping families who are in need of emergency 
shelter. The mission works with the Fresno County Department of Human 
Social Services in ``Rescue the Children/Craycroft Youth'' a 
collaborative effort to service, abused, neglected and abandoned 
children.
  There is also a year-long live-in recovery program for men with 
various dependency problems. After completion of the program, a 
transition home provides housing, and employment as staff members of 
the mission. At the home, men are encouraged to save their money so 
they can be reunited with their families, or be able to afford their 
own housing.
  Most important to the mission is its primary purpose, to provide 
love, and bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have nothing 
left in this world. In front of the mission building hangs a sign which 
reads, ``If you don't have a friend in the world, you will find one 
here.''
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fresno Rescue Mission 
on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The services provided are a 
boon to the community, and a blessing to those in most need. I urge all 
of my colleagues to join me in wishing the Fresno Rescue Mission many 
years of continued success.

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