[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 135 (Tuesday, October 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S EFFORTS TO INTEGRATE FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY 
          ORGANIZATIONS INTO EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 15, 2002

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the Department of Labor's 
efforts to integrate faith-based and community organizations into 
employment and training services and encourage the department to 
continue and expand this initiative.
  In order to most effectively deliver services, especially in the 
hardest to reach communities, it is essential that the federal 
government partner with groups that have credibility in needy 
neighborhoods. Small community and faith-based organizations have a 
long-term, personal investment in the community, and are known and 
trusted to effectively deliver results.
  This approach is a necessity because for many of our most needy 
neighborhoods, faith-based and community organizations are frequently 
the strongest and most dynamic institutions available. Often, in the 
most distressed neighborhoods, they are not just the best partner, they 
may be the only partner available to us.
  I want to recognize the work that has already taken place at the 
Department of Labor. The Department has created several pilot programs 
and innovative grant programs designed to better utilize the unique 
skills of community and faith-based organizations in its employment and 
training efforts. I urge the Department to continue and expand these 
efforts and I call on the Senate to pass H.R. 7 to ensure that the 
Federal government no longer ignores this critical partnership.

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