[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MEXICAN AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY 
FOUNDATION AND THE DEDICATION OF THE DIONICIO MORALES MEXICAN AMERICAN 
                              HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th 
anniversary of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) and 
the dedication of the Dionicio Morales Mexican American Hall of Fame.
  The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation is the largest Latino 
social-service agency in the United States, and with the leadership of 
Mr. Dionicio Morales has helped improve the life of thousands of people 
through essential services ranging from job training and childcare to 
naturalization services.
  In 1963, the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation offered its 
services to the community of East Los Angeles. Forty years later, this 
far-reaching program serves families from our San Diego border through 
Central California.
  In celebrating the 40th anniversary, it is appropriate that the 
Dionicio Morales Mexican American Hall of Fame is committed to Mr. 
Morales' desire to have Mexican American leaders and other pacesetters 
recognized for their contributions and plaace in history. The Dionicio 
Morales Mexican American Hall of Fame honors those individuals who made 
the growth of MAOF possible and other Mexican Americans whose 
leadership has contributed to the rich culture and history of the 
United States.
  Today, I congratulate the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation for 
forty years of tireless service to our community and honor the noble 
efforts of Dionicio Morales.

                          ____________________