[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E960-E961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF PAULA RAPOSA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2013

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished 
career of Ms. Paula Raposa on the occasion of her retirement.
   Ms. Raposa has been a vibrant fixture in her local community for 
over fifty years. After arriving in Fall River from the island of Sao 
Miguel in 1960, Ms. Raposa got her start at a factory on Water Street. 
Six years later, her gift for helping others led her to a job as a 
teacher's aide with Fall River Public Schools. For the next 12 years, 
she would serve as a secretary and parental liaison for the school 
district's bilingual program. Ms. Raposa played a key role in guiding 
the next generation of Portugese-speaking immigrants as they became 
acclimated to life in the United States. She later supported the 
Women's Center at Bristol Community College as their outreach 
coordinator.
   In 1978, Ms. Raposa began her career with SER-Jobs for Progress as a 
consultant. She was soon named as the first executive director for 
SER's Fall River affiliate. Under Ms. Raposa's leadership, the 
organization proved indispensible in training residents for jobs in the 
local garment industry and beyond. In 1984, her efforts were recognized 
by President Reagan through an appointment to the Advisory Committee on 
Apprenticeship, a federal body devoted to economic development and the 
advancement of workforce trainees. At that time she was the first woman 
in over fifty years to be appointed to this prestigious position. SER 
continues to provide a range of vital services to the community, 
including business classes, adult English instruction, computer 
training, and job placement. Alumni of SER's programs have gone on to 
succeed in a variety of professions.

[[Page E961]]

   Following 35 wonderful years at the helm, Ms. Raposa will retire as 
executive director to spend more time with family, while still 
remaining active with numerous Fall River institutions. Mr. Speaker, 
please join me in thanking Ms. Paula Raposa for over five decades of 
outstanding service to southeastern Massachusetts. I ask that my 
colleagues join me in honoring Ms. Raposa for her countless 
contributions.

                          ____________________