[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 131 (Wednesday, October 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TASK FORCE ON MENTORING IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 3, 2001

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and to 
express my appreciation for the Montgomery County Task Force on 
Mentoring on its 10th anniversary. In late 1991, after completing a 
study, the Montgomery County Human Relations Commission concluded that 
a broad and determined mentoring program could vastly improve the 
current situations of the County's young males. Following a September 
28, 1991 conference titled ``Black Males in Crisis--Is Mentoring a 
Solution?'' the Task Force was founded on December 16, 1991.
  Functioning under the core belief, as stated by Jonathan Alter, 
Senior Editor of Newsweek, that, ``no one succeeds in America without 
some kind of mentor--a parent, teacher, coach, older friend--to offer 
guidance along the way,'' the task force has grown into an umbrella 
organization for dozens of non-profit organizations providing 
mentorships for high risk youths. Annually the task force helps a 
significant number of children and young adults within Montgomery 
County.
  Another of the Task Force's core beliefs: ``reaching out together as 
a united community, we will make a difference,'' should become a mantra 
for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the 
Montgomery County Task Force on Mentoring, for their commitment to 
improving our community.
  My thanks to Mr. John Smith, president of the task force and to all 
of its members for the outstanding and valuable service they provide to 
the citizens of Montgomery County.

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