[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1299-E1300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE POVERELLO CENTER AND COMMEMORATING THE GRAND OPENING OF 
                   ITS NEW FOOD BANK AND THRIFT STORE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The 
Poverello Center of Wilton Manors, Florida and commemorate the grand 
opening of its new food bank and thrift store. For 25 years, The 
Poverello Center has been an institution in the Broward County 
community, providing support services to men, women, and children 
living with HIV/AIDS. With the dedication of its new, green facility at 
2056 North Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, The Poverello Center begins 
a new chapter in its mission of ensuring that individuals living with 
HIV/AIDS have life-sustaining food and basic living essentials.
  The Poverello Center was founded in 1986 by Father Bill Collins, a 
man whose courage and compassion know no limits. At a time when many 
were turning their backs on individuals living with HIV/AIDS, Father 
Collins reached out to help them with the utmost understanding, 
respect, and love. Operating at first out of the trunk of his car, he 
used much of his pension to open the first Poverello food bank and 
thrift store in Pompano Beach. From those humble beginnings, The 
Poverello Center has continued to expand and improve its operations to 
better meet the needs of its clients.
  Today, The Poverello Center provides a wide variety of support 
services to more than 2,500 low-income Broward County residents living 
with HIV/AIDS while protecting their privacy. Through its food bank, 
Poverello volunteers ensure that individuals receive 21 meals per week 
and meet the nutritional requirements necessary to remain adherent to 
their treatment. Furthermore, clients are given vouchers for clothing 
that can be redeemed in the Poverello thrift store. And, in order to 
help promote wellness and physical fitness, clients also have access to 
Poverello's full-service gym and alternative therapies annex.
  Since Poverello's founding, Father Collins and his outstanding team 
of volunteers have helped over 12,600 lives touched by HIV/AIDS. 
Remarkably, they are able to provide these services completely free of 
charge. This would not be possible without the tremendous support of 
the community or critical HIV/AIDS programs at the state and national 
levels. That is why I pledge to continue doing everything in my power 
to help fund the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and other efforts that 
address the issues affecting individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
  Mr. Speaker, as we recognize The Poverello Center's tremendous 
success and celebrate the dedication of its new home, I would like to 
take this opportunity to honor Father Bill Collins as well as each and 
every member of the Poverello team for all the hard work they continue 
to do on behalf of the AIDS community in Broward County and the least 
of us in our society. Their selflessness is a true inspiration to us 
all.

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