[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 24, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S3847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNITION OF THE LIGHTHOUSE OF OAKLAND COUNTY, INC. AND THE 
      DEDICATION OF THE ROBERT H. & MARY G. FLINT CAMPUS OF CARING

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, today I want to congratulate and 
honor the Lighthouse of Oakland County, Inc., an independent agency, 
that has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless 
individuals. Residents in my home state of Michigan will be gathering 
this Thursday April 26, 2001 to celebrate the grand opening of the 
Robert H. & Mary G. Flint Campus of Caring.
  The Lighthouse is a remarkable institution that began as an 
ecumenical ministry to assist seniors and low-income families, but has 
grown to become a dynamic independent agency dedicated to providing 
vital services that enable people to make the transition from 
joblessness and despair to independence and empowerment.
  The mission of the Lighthouse is administered by three subsidiaries: 
Lighthouse Emergency Services, Lighthouse PATH and Lighthouse Community 
Development. Independent of one another, these subsidiaries would be an 
important agent for social welfare and justice. Together, these three 
branches are a comprehensive service provider that is able to assist 
individuals and communities as they strive for betterment.
  Lighthouse Emergency Services provides a full range of services 
including food, housing, medical treatment and clothing assistance to 
those who require immediate assistance. The PATH program combines a 
full-time residency program with intensive case management that 
provides residents with the assistance needed to form clear and 
concrete goals for self-improvement. As residents complete their 
education or enter job training programs, the Lighthouse PATH provides 
an array of services such as child care, legal assistance and domestic 
abuse counseling. The Lighthouse Community Development program has 
worked, primarily in Pontiac's Unity Park neighborhood, to ensure that 
safe and affordable housing is available for low and moderate income 
families. Home ownership can ensure the economic well-being and 
stability of families and neighborhoods, and this program makes home 
ownership a reality by providing home ownership classes, rehabilitating 
abandoned houses and building new homes.
  The Lighthouse's success at administering these myriad programs has 
not gone unnoticed. In 1990, the volunteers of the Lighthouse were 
recognized by then President Bush as the 376th Point of Light for their 
dedication and service to their community. Lighthouse PATH was a 
recipient of the Richard F. Huegli Award for Program Excellence. In 
addition, Crain's Business Detroit made the Lighthouse first Runner-up 
for best managed non-profit of 1994. In 1997, the Lighthouse deservedly 
won this award.
  None of the Lighthouse's many awards or important programs would be 
possible without the dedication and sacrifice of the many staff and 
volunteers who have freely given of their time, talents and resources 
to make this program the vital community asset it is today. I have 
mentioned only a small portion of the dynamic history of the Lighthouse 
of Oakland County, Inc. and the many ways in which this organization 
has assisted its community. I know my colleagues will join me in 
honoring the Lighthouse of Oakland County, Inc. for its service to the 
people of Oakland County and the State of Michigan.

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