[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 160 (Tuesday, December 7, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF FRESNO METRO MINISTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2010

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Mr. Cardoza 
to congratulate Fresno Metro Ministry on the occasion of their 40th 
anniversary, aptly recognized as a community service organization that 
champions ``working together to build a better community.''
  Founded in 1970, Fresno Metro Ministry was conceived and developed as 
a multi- faith, multi-cultural organization with the mission of 
creating a more respectful, compassionate and inclusive community that 
promotes social and economic justice. Fresno Metro Ministry's success 
stems from working in collaboratives and engaging in community 
education, advocacy, and community problem-solving by building 
coalitions, networking, conducting workshops and conferences, and 
developing and supporting task forces to address community issues that 
affect underserved communities. The community of Fresno is proud to be 
home to such a great organization dedicated to the advancement of the 
less fortunate in our region. For 40 years Fresno Metro Ministry has 
been making a positive impact in the lives of members of our community 
and I know that it will continue to do so in the future.
  Throughout the years, Fresno Metro Ministry has spearheaded projects 
that have helped bridge the needs of low-income residents and existing 
community services in the greater Fresno area. This includes projects 
such as the development and publication of the ``Making Connections 
Community Resource Directory'' and the establishment of Latinos United 
for Clear Air, a neighborhood parent group who completed advocacy 
training sessions and went on to advocate for cleaner air and 
reductions of toxic pollutants at the local and state level. Community 
partnerships have also led to the adoption of a School Wellness Policy 
by the Fresno Unified School District to assist in the prevention of 
childhood obesity and the creation of community gardens in partnership 
with the city of Fresno. Furthermore, the Metro Ministry was 
instrumental in developing the New Leaders for Better Health program 
which provides health education and advocacy training for low-income 
residents, many of whom are non-English speaking and immigrant 
refugees.
  It is fitting and appropriate that we recognize an organization of 
the caliber of the Fresno Metro Ministry today. Giving a voice to those 
who too often do not have one has been the noble mission at the 
forefront of this organization and advocating for improvement in the 
health, education, nutrition and community betterment opportunities of 
a region is no light task. I ask my colleagues to join with Mr. Cardoza 
and I in honoring Fresno Metro Ministry on the occasion of their 40th 
anniversary and thank them for their tireless work and enormous 
contributions to our community in the greater area of Fresno, 
California.

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