[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 160 (Tuesday, December 7, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO DONNA R. DICKERSON

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Donna R. 
Dickerson.
  Ms. Dickerson is the Education Director for the Genesis Academy, 
where she has worked since 1997. The Genesis Academy is one of the 
leading after-school programs in the Brownsville community of Brooklyn, 
New York. The institution's goal is to academically, socially and 
culturally enrich the community's youth. Over the years, Ms. Dickerson 
has emerged as a leader in youth development, implementing programs for 
children in the Genesis Academy and the community at large.
  At the age of sixteen, Ms. Dickerson took an opportunity to work at a 
daycare center. Facing her own childhood adversity, at this job she 
realized her destiny: to work with children. The joy of the classroom 
inspired Ms. Dickerson to work at this daycare center for longer than 
she had initially intended.
  In 1991, a fire devastated Ms. Dickerson and her family. Within a 
three month span, they were living in a shelter and dealing with the 
death of six family members. The situation became more than Ms. 
Dickerson could handle and she had no idea where to turn next; adapting 
to this new way of life taught Ms. Dickerson how to survive.
  In the heart of East New York, there is a place called Genesis Homes. 
Here, new beginnings are possible, all you have to do is believe and go 
get it. A program was offered, called T.E.P.P., where a participant 
would get paid to work. Ms. Dickerson was offered a position as a 
recreation aide and accepted it. She worked with every age group over 
the years, leaving a positive mark on all the children she interacted 
with. During this time, Ms. Dickerson realized that she was a role 
model and needed to always act as such. She was no longer responsible 
for just her own children, but for thousands of children who, at times, 
appeared to depend on her more than their own family.
  Ms. Dickerson is grateful for several important people in her life. 
Her parents, for teaching her and her siblings to love one another, 
respect all and treat people like they would want to be treated. Her 
sisters, for always being there, no matter the time of day she called 
on them. Most importantly, Ms. Dickerson is grateful for her children: 
Brandon, Corey and Charisma.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
achievements of Ms. Donna R. Dickerson.

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