[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 133 (Thursday, September 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF MAUREEN WALLISER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2003

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maureen Walliser for 
her tireless commitment to community service. She was presented the 
Memorial Mary T. Norton Award by the United Way of Hudson County on 
September 16, 2003, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Secaucus, New Jersey.
  For over 30 years, Ms. Walliser has been working to improve the lives 
of individuals living with disabilities. She has been a leader in her 
field, and continues to promote employment for individuals with 
disabilities.
  Currently, Ms. Walliser serves as the governmental affairs 
chairperson of Access New Jersey, a statewide community-based 
employment service organization that serves individuals with severe 
disabilities. Previously, Ms. Walliser served as vice president and two 
terms as president of Access New Jersey. Ms. Walliser was also a co-
founder of one of the first thirteen charter schools in New Jersey.
  Ms. Walliser began her career as a rehabilitation counselor for the 
New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. She then 
began working at the Occupational Center of Hudson County, where she 
has served as president for the last 15 years. Under her direction, the 
Center has flourished into an organization that provides a wealth of 
services beyond rehabilitation. Now known as Hudson Community 
Enterprises, the organization provides school-to-work programs, job 
training and placement, and is creating social enterprises that will 
open up further opportunities for individuals with disabilities seeking 
to gain employment.
  Committed to expanding the field of vocational rehabilitation, Ms. 
Walliser has been an adjunct professor at Saint Peter's College and New 
Jersey City University, and was a vocational expert for 5 years at the 
Social Security Administration. She continues to be an active member in 
her church in Woodbridge, where she provides support and services for 
individuals with disabilities. She also works with many professional 
groups in Hudson County, including the Private Industry Council and the 
Hudson County Human Services Advisory Council.
  A native of Jersey City, Ms. Walliser received her bachelor's degree 
from the College of Saint Elizabeth, and her master's degree in Special 
Education from New Jersey City University.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Maureen Walliser 
for her commitment to community service and for her advocacy and 
support of people with disabilities.

                          ____________________