[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 81 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE HEARTLAND, IOWA CITY, AND 
                         THE ABILITYONE PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID LOEBSACK

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 1, 2012

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the AbilityOne 
Program. Over the last few years, AbilityOne has helped more than 
50,000 Americans who are blind or have other significant disabilities 
gain the skills necessary for gainful employment.
  The AbilityOne Program, through Federal purchasing, supports 
community-based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and 
employing people with disabilities. Opportunities through the 
AbilityOne program have brought individuals into working society and 
afforded them the ability to receive competitive wages and benefits. 
The job skills and training these individuals receive go a long way to 
foster greater independence and quality of life. Those who benefit from 
the program have historically suffered from significant unemployment, 
but AbilityOne is turning this trend around.
  I would also like to acknowledge Goodwill Industries of the Heartland 
of Iowa City, an AbilityOne Program affiliate. As one of 207 regional 
Goodwill organizations, Goodwill Industries of the Heartland serves 
Iowa communities by empowering people with significant disabilities to 
seek education and employment. With the support of the AbilityOne 
Program, Goodwill Industries of the Heartland's training and job 
placement programs help clients and their families live more 
independently while making positive contributions to their communities.
  I want to commend the dedication and commitment of the staff of both 
AbilityOne and Goodwill Industries of the Heartland of Iowa City. Their 
work helps people with disabilities live full lives as active members 
of society.