[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CHALDEAN AMERICAN LADIES OF 
 CHARITY AS THEY CELEBRATE FIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CHALDEAN FAMILIES 
                         IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 2011

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Chaldean 
American Ladies of Charity (CALC) as it celebrates fifty years of 
service to the Chaldean community of metro Detroit.
  Established in 1961 by twenty women volunteers, CALC's mission has 
been to assist needy Chaldean families in Southeast Michigan. CALC 
initially focused on providing care and support to the elderly and 
sick, but has transitioned and expanded its services as the needs of 
the community have evolved.
  As the greater Detroit region has developed over the last half 
century, Chaldean Americans have grown with it, becoming an integral 
part of the community. Over time, as the Chaldean population has grown 
and new generations have been raised outside their ancestral homeland, 
CALC has taken a leading role in helping Chaldean Americans preserve 
their culture and history. Furthermore, CALC has also become a valuable 
bridge to the broader community, sharing the rich history and culture 
of Iraqi Catholics. And most importantly, CALC has taken on the 
responsibility of helping newly arrived Chaldean refugees integrate and 
become successful members of the community by providing basic services 
and support for those who need more critical services.
  As CALC celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, the success of the 
organization can be seen in its seven hundred volunteers who continue 
its mission of serving Chaldean families in need with a dynamic set of 
initiatives and programs. By collecting and distributing essential 
supplies to newly arrived Chaldean refugees and families facing 
obstacles, CALC is the most crucial community support mechanism. Today, 
CALC provides a comprehensive set of youth programs that provide 
cultural, educational and recreational enrichment opportunities to 
promote strong scholarship and citizenship in Chaldean American youth. 
A fully developed series of programs for families in need provides 
educational scholarships, essential material assistance in food and 
clothing and free health services to uninsured families. In order that 
its mission endures, CALC's Chaldean Angels program teaches the next 
generation of young women the importance of community service. Under 
the leadership of my friend, President LeeAnn Kirma, CALC not only 
supplies precious material resources, but brings hope to the 
dispirited.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity celebrates 
its fiftieth anniversary, I rise to join its members and honor their 
decades of service to Chaldean families across Southeast Michigan, 
which has greatly strengthened and enriched the metro Detroit 
community. As CALC continues its mission, I look forward to continuing 
my work with its members in our shared goal of building a bright future 
for Michigan and putting the American Dream within reach for all.

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