[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORTING EFFORTS PROMOTING GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF EFFECTIVE 
                   RUNAWAY YOUTH PREVENTION PROGRAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, as Congress considers H. Res. 1009 this 
week, I would like to highlight the outstanding efforts of an 
organization in my district, Promise House of Dallas. Since 1984, 
Promise House has served as a pillar of the Dallas community through 
its mission to serve the needs of runaway and homeless youth throughout 
our community.
  Promise House was originally established by Lovers Lane United 
Methodist Church to provide a 16 bed emergency shelter for teenagers. 
Today, this program provides over eight large programs for runaway, 
homeless, and at-risk students, and is supported by numerous churches, 
businesses, and individuals. At-risk youth and their families may 
access services ranging from food and clothing to counseling, 
education, transitional living arrangements, and parenting services. 
With communal support, the Promise House staff works endlessly to offer 
hope to youth and families in crisis.
  Promise House has helped countless youths pursue their hopes and 
dreams. When he entered Promise House, Justin was a 17-year-old young 
man who was physically and emotionally abused by his father. Between 
the abuse and family disarray, Justin turned to aggressive behavior and 
heavy drug usage. In a courageous and lifesaving decision, Justin came 
to Promise House for help. Promise House provided Justin with a safe 
environment and a variety of services, including shelter, counseling, 
intensive case management and life skills therapy. Through the support 
of Promise House, Justin turned his life around. Justin continued 
therapy services even after leaving Promise House and successfully 
graduated from high school. Today, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to say that 
Justin is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas and a recipient 
of the Blake Davis Memorial Scholarship--established by Promise House 
to promote opportunities for higher education and a better life.
  Justin's story serves as an example of how Promise House provides 
youths with a safe haven to help meet their life goals. I am proud of 
Promise House's selfless efforts in reaching out with open arms to the 
needs of the children and teenagers in the north Texas area.

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