[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E321]]


                       TRIBUTE TO MS. NORIS COLON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
during this month of March, which has been designated Woman's History 
Month, to pay tribute to Ms. Noris Colon, president and chief executive 
officer of H.O.G.A.R. (Housing Options & Geriatric Association 
Resources, Inc.), an organization dedicated to improving the lives of 
homeless, elderly, mentally ill, physically challenged, and HIV/AIDS-
infected individuals in the Bronx.
  Noris was born in Salinas, PR, and is very proud of her family and 
heritage. She comes from a family with a long tradition of public 
service. In her home town of Salinas, there is a street named after her 
late father, Juan Manzanet, who was the first chief of the fire 
department.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1996, Noris founded H.O.G.A.R. to fill a gap in the 
social service delivery system in Bronx County. The organization's 
mission is not only to raise awareness of the housing and health issues 
facing burdened groups of society, but also to provide ways of 
remedying these issues. As a result of her strong leadership, 
H.O.G.A.R. was selected as the ``Outstanding Agency of the Year'' by 
the Bronx Psychiatric Center and the State Office of Mental Health.
  Noris has an extensive background in social and rehabilitative 
services and mental health administration. Her experience encompasses 
personnel management, psychiatric rehabilitation, community relations, 
and the development of special needs housing programs. She graduated 
from Nyack College, where she specialized in organizational management.
  Mr. Speaker, Noris resume is impressive. She was the first 
administrator of the Mental Health Program of Hunts Point Multi Service 
Center. She has also served as director of Community Residences of 
South Bronx Mental Health Council and has worked at Casa La Esperanza 
and Harlem Hospital. In addition, Noris has served as chief of staff 
for City Councilman Federico Perez and was appointed Human Rights 
Commissioner of New York by Mayor Abraham Beame.
  Mr. Speaker, for her immeasurable contributions to those most in need 
and most overlooked, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this 
incredible woman.

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