[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING REVEREND JOHN G. SIMMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2002

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend John G. 
Simmons. For over 60 years now, Reverend Simmons has dedicated himself 
to the causes of peace and justice throughout his community and in 
honor of his achievements, the Reverend John G. Simmons Opportunity 
House will be dedicated on May 16, 2002. The Opportunity House will 
serve as a treatment facility for the Mentally Ill Offenders Program.
  Born in Mountain Grove, Missouri, Reverend Simmons is a graduate of 
Drake University, Ruther Seminary, University of Chicago and the 
University of Southern California. A devoted family man, he is married 
to Bethend Simmons and together they have three children--Johnny, 
Ginger and James. Rev. Simmons is also the proud stepfather to four 
children--Linda, Tylon, Paul and Karen. His eight grandchildren are his 
great pride.
  Reverend Simmons has been an outspoken advocate and proponent for 
individuals and families in need of affordable housing and health care, 
specialized health needs and reasoned, caring healthcare practitioners. 
He has served on the Board of Directors of the Pacoima Memorial 
Lutheran Hospital, the Sunair Children's Foundation and is the Founder 
of the Golden State Community Mental Health Center and the Los Angeles 
Family Housing-Valley Shelter.
  Along with his dedication to healthcare and housing, Rev. Simmons has 
also pledged his support to education. As a founder of Casa Loma 
College, an institution dedicated to licensing vocational nurses, 
certified nurses and home health aides, he has ensured that qualified 
and experienced nurses are available to meet the health needs of at-
risk individuals. He is also the founder of California Lutheran 
University, which is dedicated to the educational needs of students 
throughout the world.
  As a strong advocate of social justice, civil liberties and civil 
rights, Reverend Simmons has been active in the ACLU, NAACP, Amnesty 
International, the Lutheran Peace Fellowship, L.A. County Commission on 
Human Relations and the Medical Committee for Civil Rights.
  It is with great honor that I ask all Members to join with me in 
congratulating the Reverend John G. Simmons for his life's dedication 
to the social welfare of his community and on the dedication of the 
Rev. John G. Simmons Opportunity House.

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