[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 163 (Thursday, October 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MARY McLOUGHLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 25, 2007

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, a community is an aggregate of its 
residents, but its quality of life is determined by the dedication of 
those who devote themselves to the welfare of their community.
  Mary McLoughlin is such a person, and her dedication is the occasion 
for special recognition by the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center at 
a dinner honoring her tonight.
  She is a co-founder of that organization and is almost single-
handedly responsible for acquiring a community center. In 1972 she 
heard that the police precinct was leaving its building and she began a 
campaign to get the building for use by the community.
  Almost three years later, KHCC acquired the building and she, with 
Patricia Burns and Janet Athanasidy, cleaned the floors; and took out 
the debris as part of the extensive renovation needed.
  She envisioned a Center modeled after the great early New York 
settlement houses, providing educational, recreational and cultural 
activities for all community residents.
  In 1975 the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center opened its doors 
with a Teen Program as well as a Head Start Program. Mary McLoughlin's 
continuing dedication is evident as today the center provides a 
multitude of programs to individuals of all ages including: early 
childhood educational, health and nutrition services, after school 
recreation and literacy, College Prep and financial aid, services to 
individuals with developmental disabilities, and civics classes, child 
sexual abuse treatment and prevention, parent and child advocacy, and 
case management services to prevent foster care placement, to cite a 
few.
  She is a mother of eight, but has spread her caring over the 
community, improving the lives of thousands. The KHCC as the largest 
employer in the community continues to address the needs of the 
changing community.
  She has been, and remains, a God-send to the Kingsbridge community. I 
sincerely thank her for all that she has done and continues to do for 
the people of this community. She is an inspiration to all.

                          ____________________