[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN TRIBUTE TO JUNE PERRY, OUTGOING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NEW CONCEPT 
                        SELF DEVELOPMENT CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a woman 
in my district who has dedicated her career to improving the quality of 
life for African American children and their families. June Perry, co-
founder and Executive Director of New Concept Self Development Center, 
retires this month after 31 years at the helm of this multifaceted 
human services agency.
  Equipped with a master's degree in social work and experience working 
in Milwaukee County's child protective services, June Perry started New 
Concept Self Development Center in 1975. Understanding that intervening 
in the cycle of poverty requires prevention as well as treatment, she 
built an institution to provide appropriate and high quality mental 
health and social services to residents of Milwaukee's central city. 
Over the last three decades, New Concept tackled a wide range of 
issues, ranging from teen pregnancy and high school drop-out prevention 
to crisis counseling for survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Always on the 
lookout for new ways to approach old problems, June Perry's leadership 
has been characterized by a passion for innovation, a strong commitment 
to collaboration, and the determination to do what it takes to serve 
the community.
  Not only has Ms. Perry developed innovative social service programs, 
she is also a noted leader and expert in the field of non-profit 
management. She has participated in management programs at the Denali 
Institute, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the prestigious Stanford 
University School of Business. She has received numerous national and 
local awards for her work, including the Women of Influence award from 
the Business Journal, the Trailblazer award from the Black Women's 
Network, and the President's Points of Light Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I think it is safe to say that June Perry's efforts have 
touched the lives of tens of thousands of Milwaukee residents, over the 
course of several generations. Rather than wait for someone else to 
address the problems that plague our community, she has never hesitated 
to step up and marshal resources to implement solutions. I am honored 
to have this opportunity to thank her for her tireless advocacy and 
unwavering commitment to the children and families of our community, 
and to wish her a long and rewarding retirement.

                          ____________________