[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING BOB COTE, ``NATIONAL SERVICE AWARD'' WINNER

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to ask Congress to 
congratulate and thank Bob Cote of Denver, Colorado on receiving the 
prestigious ``National Service Award'', given by the Washington Times 
Foundation. The award honors Americans who have made outstanding 
contributions in the area of humanitarian service to their community. 
This is a proud moment for Bob, his family and his community.
  Bob is one of over fifty outstanding faith-based leaders who were 
chosen for this award. Bob is the director and founder of Step 13, a 
100-bed facility for the homeless in the skid-row district of Larimer 
Street in Denver, Colorado. Since its inception in 1984, Step 13 has 
touched the lives of more than 1,700 drug addicts and alcoholics. 
Graduates of Step 13 staff the program.
  Being a former alcoholic is what fuels Bob's commitment to Step 13. 
``You can't take someone who's been drunk for five years and expect him 
to get it turned around in thirty days. Staying at a shelter a few 
nights doesn't help. They need to build up their self-respect by 
learning how to do things for themselves.''
  Step 13 is based on a clear and simple premise: ``Any system or 
program that takes responsibility away from a capable person 
dehumanizes that person.'' Since the founding of Step 13, many clients 
have become ``Total Successes'', which means that after leaving, they 
continue to work as productive tax paying members of society. Over half 
of those who make it to the transitional houses stay off the street 
permanently.
  Bob has also received the Thousand Point of Light Award, the 
Achievement Against the Odds Award, and was voted ``One of America's 
Most Virtuous Citizens'' by George Magazine.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for all citizens of Colorado to have 
such an exemplary hero such as Bob Cote to work to better the 
community. Bob has helped many over come life on the streets to become 
a member of society and for that he deserves the praise and thanks of 
Congress.

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