[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 51 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING LARRY SHARP

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I stand before you today to honor Mr. Larry Sharp, Executive 
Director of the International Institute/LACASA--IILC, an organization 
that specializes in assisting individuals with immigration and 
citizenship concerns. For over 30 years, Larry has devoted his time and 
efforts to this organization, touching the lives of countless 
individuals. Mr. Sharp will be honored for his many years of service at 
an event hosted by the Gary Historical and Cultural Society, Inc., on 
Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary.
  Founded in 1919, the International Institute's main purpose was to 
assist foreign born individuals in their adjustment to American life by 
providing home visits with bilingual volunteers and workers. Continuing 
on this path, the organization continued to enhance the services it 
offered, and the Institute organized the first English classes for the 
foreign born. In 1945, a major focus of the organization was 
immigration and naturalization, and in 1958, the International 
Institute was accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals to 
represent individuals before the Department of Homeland Security. In 
2002, the International Institute and LACASA, an organization serving 
the Hispanic community, merged to form what is now known as the 
International Institute/LACASA and is also known as the International 
Community Alliance. Today, the organization's mission is to ``serve and 
advocate for low and moderate-income immigrants and Hispanics in 
immigration, naturalization, adult education, youth leadership 
development, food assistance, confronting domestic abuse, promoting 
cultural diversity, and fatherhood programs.''
  Larry Sharp was born in LaPorte, Indiana, and is a graduate of Ball 
State University. He joined the Peace Corps in 1969 and was stationed 
in Peru. There, he learned to speak Spanish and met the love of his 
life, his wife, Taia Caroll. In 1979, Larry became Executive Director 
of the International Institute. Since 1982, Larry has been accredited 
by the Board of Immigration Appeals to represent individuals. Mr. Sharp 
continues to directly assist numerous people with citizenship and 
immigration issues daily. Through Larry's outstanding leadership and 
incredible passion, the International Institute/LACASA, has become an 
effective and compassionate program for all immigrants who need 
support.
  Larry's dedication to the community and his career is exceeded only 
by his devotion to his amazing family. Larry and his wonderful wife, 
Taia, have two children, Neil and Taia.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending Mr. Larry Sharp as he is honored for his lifetime 
of service and dedication to foreign born individuals within the 
communities of Northwest Indiana, Illinois, and beyond. Larry continues 
to touch the lives of countless people, and for his unselfish, lifelong 
commitment, he is worthy of the highest praise.

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