[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ACTION AND 
            THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITY

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2008

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Christian 
Community Action for celebrating its 35th anniversary. Christian 
Community Action, an organization devoted to helping those in need, has 
made a tremendous impact on area citizens during its tenure in the 
north Texas community.
  Founded on February 22, 1973, Christian Community Action began by 
serving local congregations. The group soon began distributing fliers 
in needy areas offering assistance to those local families who needed 
it most. CCA provided gifts of food, clothing, housewares, and repair 
work, but soon realized that for the group to have the effect they 
wanted, they needed to find a way to expand their reach and obtain 
financial resources.
  It was this decision that caused the organization to connect with 
area families on a much more personal level. CCA caseworkers learned 
all about each family's income, budgeting, and spending habits, which 
presented them with both the information they needed to provide 
assistance and the coveted opportunity to bond with those they served.
  Beginning in 1975, Christian Community Action began focusing on 
larger scale initiatives, such as resale shops. Now the CCA has evolved 
from a small bible study group to a thriving organization serving 
Lewisville and the surrounding area with three CCA resale stores, an 
adult health center, food services, and education and vocational 
training.
  I would also like to commend Christian Community Action on the 
importance of the role they play in helping meet the health assistance 
needs in Denton County, where there is no county hospital to assist. As 
an OB/GYN in Denton County for almost 30 years, I'm acutely aware of 
the needs of the mothers and young children and I especially thank 
Christian Community Action for their mission in meeting these health 
needs.
  It was also through my work with Christian Community Action that the 
idea for a program within the Consumer Product Safety Commission to 
increase awareness for second-hand retailers regarding recalled 
products was initiated. This project was successfully adopted in the 
Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act, and I commend CCA for their 
dedication to improving awareness about dangerous recalled products for 
similar organizations all across the United States.
  With more than 2,500 volunteers, CCA touches the lives of 
approximately 12,000 people every year. However, they are far more than 
a charity group. To the 1,500 patients treated in the health center 
each year; to the parents of the children provided with lunches, school 
supplies, Christmas presents, and clothes; to the 1,660 people who have 
been given educational and vocational training; to these people, 
Christian Community Action offers hope. The building blocks provided by 
the CCA create a foundation for those in our community to create better 
lives for themselves.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I stand here today to 
honor Christian Community Action on their anniversary. Thirty-five 
years of service is a milestone to be celebrated.

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