[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 182 (Monday, December 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF LEE MATHEWS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2009

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work 
of Mr. Lee Mathews, the Director of Edison Job Corps Academy in Edison 
New Jersey, who passed away November 29, 2009 at the age of 57. Mr. 
Mathews served as an anti-drug advocate and spokesman for youth issues 
in his position as Director of Edison Job Corps Academy, and previously 
in his position as Director of the South Bronx Job Corps Center. Both 
institutions were nationally recognized, and Mr. Mathews had himself 
been recognized with the National Award for being involved with the 
most innovative Job Corps Program in his last 3 years with Edison Job 
Corps.
  When ResCare took control of the Edison Job Corps Center in November 
1995, the center was rated 100 out of 109 and had an exceedingly poor 
image in the community. Mr. Mathews was able to improve the performance 
of the center to over 110 percent of the Department of Labor standard. 
Under the helm of Mr. Mathews, the program rose to prominence, ranking 
21st out of 123 in the country.
  By establishing relationships with companies like Aamco Transmission, 
Roto Rooter, and AT&T, Mr. Mathews revolutionized Edison Job Corps 
Academy's vocational training and made it into a model program that Job 
Corps programs nationwide are seeking to imitate and follow.
  While the death of Mr. Mathews comes as a great loss to Job Corps, it 
comes as a greater loss to the State of New Jersey. His efforts and 
advocacy for youth issues will be greatly missed, though his legacy 
will live on through his accomplishments and work.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
celebrating the life of Mr. Lee Mathews, as our State remembers his 
determination and excellent service.

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