[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          A TRIBUTE TO MR. ISRAEL MILTON ON HIS 70TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 1999

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one 
of Miami-Dade County's unsung heroes, Mr. Israel H. Milton, who 
celebrated his 70th birthday on August 29. A native Floridian, Mr. 
Milton attended the then Dorsey High School in Miami and went on to 
earn his Bachelor's degree from Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona 
Beach. He subsequently obtained his Master's degree in Social Work from 
Atlanta University. He is married to an educator, Thelma Milton, who 
has since retired from teaching and with whom he has four children.
  Mr. Milton epitomizes the preeminence of a good and decent servant 
who has tried to do his best to make government accessible to the 
community, particularly to the community, particularly to the more than 
200,000 clients of the county's Department of Human Services. A veteran 
in social work services, he started his work in Atlanta, Chicago, and 
New York. On November 2, 1967, he was subsequently appointed to 
administer the Kendall Children's Home, our community's first group 
home for juvenile delinquents. He also started Alpha House, the 
county's first residential facility for emotionally disturbed children.
  Mr. Milton's entrepreneurial spirit in accessing much-needed 
government funding allowed him to expand many and varied services to 
benefit the children and the elderly via his innovative Child Care 
Program, Adult Care Program, the Elderly Services and the Homemaker 
Services Program.
  Additionally, it was his vision to incorporate alcohol and drug 
treatment programs within the Department, which provided the initiative 
toward the creation of our community's first Juvenile Residential 
Substance Abuse Program. Needless to say, he was awarded various 
citations from nationally-renowned agencies and organizations, which 
honored his pioneering stewardship in this arena.
  Ever since I have known this government steward par excellence, Mr. 
Milton has always been at the forefront of ensuring equality of 
opportunity for everyone in our community, regardless of race, creed, 
gender, or philosophical persuasion. At the same time, his forceful 
advocacy in adhering to the tenets of equal treatment under the law in 
every segment of our county government has become legendary. In fact, 
countless others have been touched by his genuine commitment to their 
well-being, particularly toward those who could least fend for 
themselves.
  In his own quiet, dignified way, Mr. Milton has been and continues to 
be our community's consummate activist. He abides by the dictum that 
those who have less in life, through no fault of their own, deserve the 
help of government to get themselves back up and to become responsible 
and productive members of society. His colleagues in government service 
consider him their model, and are often touched by his unique sincerity 
and personal integrity. The numerous accolades with which he has been 
honored by various organizations and agencies represent an unequivocal 
testimony of the utmost respect and admiration which he enjoys within 
our community.
  Mr. Israel Milton understands the accouterments of power and 
leadership, and sagely exercises them alongside the mandate of his 
conviction and the wisdom of his conscience, focusing their impact upon 
the good of the community which he loves and cares for so deeply. His 
pioneering work in the social work arena has oftentimes shaped and 
formed the agenda of several professional organizations such as the 
National Association of Social Workers, the American Society for Public 
Administrators, the Governor's Constituency for Children, the Florida 
Foster Care Review Project, the National Forum for Black Public 
Administrators, the Dade-Monroe Health Planning Council, and a host of 
many other organizations.
  His word is his bond to those who have dealt with him not only in his 
moments of triumphal exuberance, but also in his quest to help 
transform Miami-Dade into a veritable mosaic of vibrant cultures and 
people converging into the great experiment that is America.
  I join countless friends and admirers in wishing Mr. Israel Milton 
Godspeed and best wishes on his 70th anniversary. He truly exemplifies 
a one-of-a-kind leadership whose courageous vision and wisdom appeal to 
our noblest character as a community.

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