[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 100 (Tuesday, June 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO MS. ELLEN GALE CATES

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2008

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Ellen 
Gale Cates, an exemplary citizen.
  Ms. Cates is the Assistant Program Director for the Wellness Center 
under the umbrella of the Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center, Inc. 
(BSFHC) in Brooklyn, New York. She has been a part of the Bedford 
Stuyvesant Family since 1994. The Wellness Center provides those who 
enter its doors with the tools, support and encouragement to better 
manage their health and wellness. The primary focus of the Wellness 
Center Team is to those who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
  Ms. Cates is also the coordinator of the Faith Based Initiatives 
Project for the Bedford Stuyvesant Wellness Center. This project 
provides assistance in coordinating informative programs on HIV/AIDS 
prevention, education, counseling and testing for emerging churches and 
communities of faith. This project focuses on the responsibility of the 
communities of faith and community based organizations collaborating on 
affecting changes. Several ministries have been reached and have 
started their own programs through this initiative. Ms. Cates and the 
Wellness Center have been able to continue this on-going project 
through their affiliation and support from the NYC National Black 
Leadership Commission on AIDS, INC.
  Ms. Cates was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg as a member of the NYC 
Health and Human Service HIV/AIDS Council Committee, serving her 2-year 
term faithfully. Ms. Cates has served on several advisory boards, the 
longest being the South Brooklyn Legal Services Inc. She is an Active 
member of both the NYC DOHMH Office of Minority Health Borough of 
Brooklyn Ecumenical Advisory Group Faith Based HIV Task Force and the 
Faith-based High Blood Pressure Task-force.
  Ms. Cates is a newly appointed member of Women of Faith Advocating 
Change (WFAC), chaired by Reverend Dr. Cheryl Anthony. WFAC is 
comprised of female clergy leaders, community service providers and 
elected officials representing Brooklyn neighborhoods. The mission is 
to address the disparities that adversely impact African American women 
and girls and find viable faith solutions through education, 
information and advocacy.
  Ms. Cates has been a passionate yet a ``quiet storm'' in the fight 
against health disparities with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS in the 
urban community. Ms. Cates has determined that advocacy and leadership 
will be her path of alliance in this fight against HIV/AIDS in honor of 
those deserted hero's family members and friends who gave up their 
battle.
  Prior to her coming into the non-profit sector, Ms. Cates worked as a 
telecommunications manager with Verizon for over 20 years. While 
transitioning from the corporate sector she worked with the NYC DOHMH 
as a Community Associate AIDS Hotline Counselor for more than 10 years. 
Ms. Cates holds a Bachelors Degree in Christian Education; and an 
Associates Degree from Pace University and an Associates Degree in 
Medical Assistance from the College of Staten Island. Ms. Cates serves 
at the St. Stephens United Church of God, as an Associate minister, 
under Bishop M.D. Williams, Overseer, in Brooklyn, New York.

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