[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING RITA CANNING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished 
Chicago resident, Rita Canning. Rita has worked tirelessly for the 
rights of women and families in Chicago. Her advocacy and contribution 
to public service deserve the recognition and thanks of this Congress.
  Rita currently serves as President of WINGS, Women In Need of Growing 
Stronger. This transitional shelter offers support to homeless and 
abused women and children in Chicago through training programs as well 
as job placement services to women in need. Under Rita's leadership, 
WINGS helps marginalized women re-enter the workforce with greater job 
skills and with the resources necessary to achieve economic self-
sufficiency.
  Rita also founded the Palatine Home of the Sparrow, a shelter for 
women and children in Chicago, and she is in the process of 
establishing the first domestic violence shelter in Chicago's northwest 
suburbs.
  In addition to her work with the homeless, Rita does great things for 
education in our community through her work with the Canning 
Foundation. She serves as Vice-President of this foundation, which 
awards over 100 private school scholarships annually to inner-city 
children.
  Rita is also a member of the Women's Board of Northwestern 
University, the Women's Board of the Field Museum, and is a Director of 
Harris Bank. Her husband, John A. Canning, Jr., is the Director of the 
Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago and shares Rita's passion of giving 
back to the community by pursuing several philanthropic endeavors.
  Rita's tremendous dedication to public service has been recognized 
with various awards of excellence. In 2001, for example, Rita received 
the Sears Distinguished Leader Award for exemplary volunteer work and 
contributions. She also recently received the Illinois state 
treasurer's ``Woman to Woman Making a Difference Award.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to call Rita Canning a good friend and to 
recognize her invaluable contributions to public service. On behalf of 
the Fifth Congressional District and indeed all of Chicago, I thank her 
for her selfless dedication and hard work on behalf of women and 
families in our community.

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