[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 162 (Wednesday, October 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2234]]
            HONORING THE MINISTRY OF CARING OCTOBER 24, 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 24, 2007

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today and 
recognize the Ministry of Caring on its 30th anniversary. Over the past 
three decades this remarkable charity has done extensive work with 
underprivileged populations in my home state of Delaware. This 
important milestone is cause for much celebration.
  The Ministry of Caring began when its founder, Brother Ronald 
Giannone, set out on a mission to provide the poor with hospitality, 
friendship, and basic needs in such a way that would enable them to 
become independent and self-sufficient. Brother Ronald was unaware of 
his impact at the time, but he was actually setting out on a mission 
that would later become Wilmington's largest charity for the poor. 
Brother Ronald's vision first took shape in 1977 with the creation of 
the Mary Mother of Hope House, a shelter for homeless and destitute 
women. From there, the ministry's vision spread throughout our 
community at staggering speeds. The Ministry of Caring now operates 
nearly 30 facilities throughout the greater Wilmington area. Through 
these facilities, the Ministry runs over a dozen programs geared toward 
providing the poor with food, shelter, clothes, healthcare, and other 
essentials. Furthermore, the organization provides tools of empowerment 
such as job training and placement; resources that address root causes 
of poverty.
  Though the ministry remains focused on helping disadvantaged 
populations, I can say from personal experience that the Delaware 
community as a whole is positively impacted by this organization. For 
many years now, my wife and I have had the privilege of volunteering 
our Thanksgivings at the Emmanuel Dining Room, serving meals to 
Delawareans in need. I cherish these opportunities because they allow 
me, and others just like me, to help less fortunate community members, 
while also spending quality time with family, friends, and fellow 
volunteers.
  Recently the Ministry of Caring was given the highest possible score 
from the largest evaluator of charitable organizations in the world. 
While news of this accomplishment is certainly exciting, it is not at 
all surprising. The score affirms what many of us knew already: the 
ministry efficiently manages its finances, is worthy of the public's 
trust, and is highly regarded within its field.
  On this 30th anniversary, I would like to recognize the many 
accomplishments of the Ministry of Caring. The hard work and dedication 
of its founder, Brother Ronald Giannone, along with its many employees 
and volunteers, have made these past 30 years a tremendous success. I 
highly commend this great organization for their immeasurable 
contributions to the state of Delaware and wish them all the best on 
this momentous anniversary.

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