[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 44 (Friday, March 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN REMEMBRANCE OF JUANITA SERRANO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 14, 2008

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Juanita 
Serrano, who dedicated her life to serving as a community organizer on 
behalf of Women's Rights and social justice.
  Juanita Serrano was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico in 1930 and moved to 
Cleveland in the 1960's. A single mother of seven sons, she dedicated 
her life to advocating on behalf of women and the poor. Her commitment 
to the welfare of others manifested itself in various ways. She 
participated in many marches and demonstrations in Washington, D.C. and 
served as the President of the Cleveland chapter of the National 
Welfare Rights Organization. Juanita was also one of the founding Board 
members of the May Dugan Multi-Service Center and served on the 
steering committee which helped create the Thomas F. McCafferty Health 
Center in Cleveland.
  A tireless advocate for women and the poor, Juanita also dedicated 
her time to improving the life of Cleveland's Spanish speaking 
community. She served as a board member of the Spanish American 
Committee and was instrumental in the founding of Cleveland's first 
Hispanic Catholic Church, San Juan Bautista. Recognized for her life of 
serving the community, she was the recipient of Cleveland State 
University's Cervantes Award and was honored as the Grand Marshall of 
Puerto Rican Friendly Day Parade in 1993. For years Juanita volunteered 
as a Eucharistic Minister for terminally ill patients at MetroHealth 
and in 1995, was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Cleveland 
Mediation Center.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life 
of Juanita Serrano, who committed her life to serving her church, her 
community and her family.

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