[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 114 (Friday, September 22, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN HONOR OF THE NORTH WARD CENTER, FOR 30 YEARS OF IMPROVING THE LIVES 
                         OF NEW JERSEY FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the North 
Ward Center on its 30th anniversary. For 30 years, the North Ward 
Center has been an invaluable asset to Essex County, New Jersey. By 
providing a variety of important social services, the North Ward Center 
has improved the lives of thousands of Essex County residents.
  Through educational, cultural, and social programs, the North Ward 
Center has empowered low-income families and families on welfare, 
providing them with the tools necessary to take full advantage of all 
that America has to offer. The Center helps promote self-sufficiency 
and assists in neighborhood revitalization, building better and 
stronger communities.
  In addition, the North Ward Center provides exceptional pre-school, 
elementary, and middle school education for young people, enabling them 
to learn essential skills for setting and achieving future goals. 
Through after-school development and recreation programs, the Center 
works very hard to develop compassionate and productive young adults. 
It also assists senior citizens with vital services, such as 
transportation to medical appointments and grocery stores.
  At every level, The North Ward Center serves the community--leaving 
no one behind. Its Child Development Center is one of New Jersey's best 
pre-school programs; its Youth Development Program serves over 3,500 
young people annually, providing a comprehensive approach to personal 
development, peer mentoring, and physical activities through organized 
sports; its Academy for Life Long Learning provides a high tech, adult 
basic skills program and is a statewide model used by the governor; and 
its Youth and Family Outreach program provides important development 
and support initiatives to help prevent family disintegration.
  The extraordinary success that the North Ward Center has achieved is 
attributable to many factors, especially to the hard work and 
dedication of Executive Director Steve N. Adubato. He is the Center's 
spiritual leader and guiding force. Under Steve's leadership, the North 
Ward Center has changed the face of the North Ward and improved the 
lives of its residents; for that, I extend my deepest gratitude.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring The North Ward 
Center for all it has done for the families of Essex County, especially 
Newark, New Jersey.

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