[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 81 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE INDEPENDENCE EMPOWERMENT CENTER VOLUNTEERS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 1, 2012

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
volunteers for the Independence Empowerment Center.
  Independence Empowerment Center is a community-based advocacy 
organization operated by and for people with disabilities in the state 
of Virginia. IEC promotes disability rights, equal access, and full 
community participation for persons with disabilities. They work with 
individuals with disabilities to maintain or take back charge of their 
own lives and make their own choices and decisions in order to be as 
self-sufficient as possible. Independence Empowerment Center is 
associated with a national movement of almost 500 Centers for 
Independent Living. These Centers are advocacy-based organizations 
governed and operated by persons with disabilities for persons with 
disabilities.
  Volunteers for the Independence Empowerment Center perform essential 
tasks in and outside of the office. They assist the staff on daily 
functions and projects, as well as well as manage events that the IEC 
hosts. Additionally, IEC is staffed with volunteers constantly to help 
with their Annual Americans with Disabilities Act Fair in July.
  It is my honor to enter into the Congressional Record the names of 
volunteers for the Independence Empowerment Center:
  Patricia Johnson
  Judy Humphrey
  Don Rhoades
  Stephanie George
  Marlene Orf
  David Beverage
  Alfredo Foz
  Joshua Rammelsberg
  Emilia Prokop
  China McEachern
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the 
volunteers at the Independence Empowerment Center for their service and 
in thanking them for their dedication to our community.

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