[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING WILLIAM F. RICHARDSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2005

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William F. Richardson 
on the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished 
service as the Executive Director of the Berks County Action Program in 
Pennsylvania.
  As Executive Director of the Economic Opportunity Council and the 
Berks County Action Program (BCAP), Mr. Richardson has actively fought 
to mobilize the human and financial resources to combat poverty in the 
City of Reading and the County of Berks. Under Mr. Richardson's 
leadership, BCAP has initiated, coordinated, and implemented numerous 
social programs to fight against poverty. This organization is well 
known for its ability to stimulate activities within their local 
communities and for the services it continually provides for the low-
income, financially distressed, and disadvantaged citizens in the area. 
These invaluable services include job training, counseling, vocational 
rehabilitation, housing, parenting classes, home management, child care 
classes, and substance abuse prevention.
  In attempt to make a difference in the lives of the poor in his 
community, Mr. Richardson entered into community service as the 
assistant to former Mayor Victor Yarnell from 1968 to 1969. He then 
made the decision to leave City Hall and take a position as the 
assistant director for community liaison for the Reading Redevelopment 
Authority in 1969. In 1979, Mr. Richardson resigned from the Authority 
and came to his current position as the Executive Director of the 
Economic Opportunity Council.
  Throughout the past 35 years, Mr. Richardson further proved his 
commitment to helping the less fortunate by participating as an active 
member of his community, serving on numerous boards, including those of 
the Reading Parking Authority and the Reading-Berks Human Relations 
Council. Mr. Richardson is also the president of the Greater Berks Food 
Bank.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this 
extraordinary gentleman and his selfless mission to help those in need 
and for the invaluable service he has so diligently provided. I wish 
him the very best of luck in his retirement.

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