[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING LIGHTHOUSE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2001

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great honor to recognize one of 
the crowning jewels of my district. On April 26, government and 
community leaders will gather in Pontiac, Michigan to formally unveil 
the new program headquarters of Lighthouse of Oakland County, the 
Robert and Mary Flint Campus of Caring. This wonderful facility, named 
after its two primary benefactors, was completely constructed with the 
selfless donations of time, materials, and money from hundreds of 
individuals who realize the significant impact Lighthouse has made in 
the community.
  Lighthouse of Oakland County began in 1972 as an ecumenical ministry 
at Pontiac's St. Vincent de Paul Church, designed to assist low-income 
families and senior citizens in need. Nearly 30 years later, it remains 
committed to these ideals, providing a full range of human services to 
help lift the less fortunate from poverty to independence and self-
sufficiency. With an army of volunteers and charitable donors, 
Lighthouse provides service through three subsidiaries Lighthouse 
Emergency Services, Lighthouse PATH, and Lighthouse Community 
Development.
  With branches in Pontiac and nearby Clarkston, Lighthouse Emergency 
Services responds to families and seniors with an immediate need for 
food, medicine, transportation, or temporary shelter. Last year, the 
two branches assisted more than 76,000 people, many of whom are among 
Oakland County's working poor.
  Lighthouse Pontiac Area Transitional Housing, or PATH began in 1991 
and provides a safe, structured environment for 24 women and their 
children referred by homeless shelters. PATH offers counseling, job 
training, child care, and instruction in parenting and life skills. 
With an 84% success rate, many women have gone to become independent 
and productive members of society.
  In 1992, Lighthouse Community Development initiated a neighborhood 
revitalization program whose goal was to increase affordable housing 
for low-income families. Through the efforts of community volunteerism 
and donations, a cluster of vacant and abandoned houses was transformed 
into the Unity Park housing development. Community Development 
continues to renovate and repair homes, build new single family 
housing, maintain neighborhood yards, and also provides financial 
management training.
  Lighthouse's value has been recognized by many, as evidenced by its 
many collaborations with churches, community programs, and businesses. 
They have received numerous rewards and citations and serve as one of 
Michigan's best managed non-profit groups.
  Mr. Speaker, I am exceptionally proud to have Lighthouse of Oakland 
County in my district, and I am grateful for people like Robert and 
Mary Flint, the Lighthouse staff, and its Executive Director, Noreen 
Keating. With the new facility, the Campus of Caring will provide 
programs for computer training center, business and banking, senior 
independence, and life skills, among others. Through their work, many 
disadvantaged citizens will indeed reach their full potential. I ask my 
colleagues in the 107th Congress to please join me in congratulating 
Lighthouse.

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