[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 89 (Friday, June 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   HONORING THE WORK OF GLORIA BURKE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2002

  Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who 
has dedicated her life to the safety and well being of the children and 
families in Weymouth, Massachusetts. She is an individual with a noble 
sense of compassion and integrity, who is being honored today on the 
occasion of her retirement from Weymouth Youth & Family Services after 
30 years of devoted service.
  After receiving her Bachelor's Degree at the University of 
Massachusetts Boston, Gloria earned a Master's degree in Counseling 
Psychology from Cambridge College. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker 
and Family Therapist, Gloria came to the aid of countless struggling 
families to overcome the challenges associated with poverty, substance 
abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, and other social ills.
  In 1971, Gloria was hired as the Community Education Director and 
Therapist for Weymouth Youth and Family Services. After ten dedicated 
years, Gloria's talents were recognized and she was asked to serve as 
the organization's Director, the position in which she has excelled in 
for two decades. Under Gloria's direction, Weymouth Youth and Family 
Services has provided food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless, 
financial assistance to the poor, and counseling to those in crisis. 
For several years, I have been a proud participant in the Weymouth 
Youth & Family Services' Annual Christmas Celebration, which Gloria 
founded and has raised thousands of dollars each year to benefit 
families in need during the holiday season.
  During her tenure with the Weymouth Youth & Families Services office, 
Gloria has faced head-on the difficult challenges facing the youth in 
the community--from suicide to drug use, from racism and to violence. 
Her work as part of the Teen Facility Development Committee, which 
converted the shuttered police station into a thriving teen center, 
stands as a testament to Gloria's commitment to providing a promising 
future for the youth in the Town.
  Gloria Burke is Weymouth's own in the truest sense. Born in the Town, 
she was educated in its public school system, and continues to live 
there today with her husband Jack, with whom she raised four children.
  I am honored today to call Gloria Burke one of my closest friends. 
She has been a role model for me and the many thousands of those in 
Weymouth who have been touched by her genuine giving and caring nature. 
I know that her legacy will continue to be a lasting inspiration to 
future generations who wish to serve the community.

                          ____________________