[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 5, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF CENTRAL IOWA IN DES MOINES AND THE 
                           ABILITYONE PROGRAM

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2012

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the AbilityOne 
program, which in the last several years has helped more than 50,000 
Americans who are blind or who have significant disabilities gain 
skills and training that ultimately led to gainful employment.
  The AbilityOne program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal 
Government to buy products and services from participating community-
based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing 
individuals with disabilities. This program affords Americans with 
disabilities the opportunity to acquire job skills and training, 
receive good wages and benefits, and gain greater independence and 
quality of life.
  I am proud to acknowledge an important local partner of the 
AbilityOne program, Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa in Des Moines. 
It is one of 207 regional Goodwill organizations throughout North 
America and across the world. Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa has 
been serving Iowa communities since 1955 with a dedicated mission, a 
clear vision and a strong set of values to empower people with 
significant disabilities to achieve greater independence, education and 
employment. With the support of the AbilityOne program, Goodwill's 
training and job placement programs help clients and their families 
live more independently while allowing them to make positive 
contributions to their communities.
  Mr. Speaker, for these reasons I strongly support the AbilityOne 
program and Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa in Des Moines. I also 
want to commend the dedication and commitment of President Marlyn 
McKeen and her staff for helping individuals who are blind or have a 
significant disability find employment opportunities. Their work helps 
people live fuller lives and become more active members of society. I 
also commend each AbilityOne employee who works every day to improve 
their lives and make our country a better place to live.

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