[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THOMAS HEALY OF ALPHAPOINTE ASSOCIATION FOR THE 
                                 BLIND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                  in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 2005

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to 
Thomas Healy and Alphapointe Association for the Blind, who will retire 
from the organization September 30, 2005. During his 25 year tenure as 
President and CEO, Thomas has been the guiding force behind 
Alphapointe's flourishing as a nonprofit organization in the Greater 
Kansas City community.
  Mr. Healy has been a community leader at Alphapointe for his 34 years 
with the organization, and as President and CEO helped Alphapointe 
achieve heights worthy of praise by the organization's founder, 
Catherine Hale.
  To understand how deeply Mr. Healy has touched the Greater Kansas 
City community, we must all understand what a unique company he has 
been leading. Founded in 1911 and originally incorporated as the Kansas 
City Association for the Blind in 1916, Alphapointe was first a group 
of blind men and women who gathered together for company and 
recreation. Originally a social organization, Alphapointe has expanded 
its sense of purpose to provide not only needed social services like 
rehabilitation and educational services, but also jobs.
  Today, the company proudly manufactures over 30 million plastic 
bottles for pharmaceuticals and over 11 million writing instruments 
each year. It is not the volume or product of Alphapointe's production 
that makes it unique; it is the composition of the company's employee 
base. Over half of the employees, from management to custodial staff, 
are blind or disabled. Remaining true to its foundation, Alphapointe 
continues to provide a place of community for all. Under his leadership 
and guidance, Thomas has helped this vital organization grow from a 
company of 55 employees to more than 160 earning more than $20 million 
per year.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues in the House join me 
in saluting Mr. Thomas Healy and Alphapointe Association for the Blind 
for their years of dedicated service to the City of Kansas City, 
Missouri and the surrounding metropolitan community. Thank you Thomas, 
we will miss seeing you at the helm, but know you will continue to be 
an advocate and guided voice in our area as a member of Alphapointe's 
Advisory Board of Directors.