[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 125 (Friday, September 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT 
                                 CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2013

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 25 years of 
service by the Community Enrichment Center (CEC). Located in North 
Richland Hills, Texas, the CEC serves over 7,000 unduplicated 
individuals in Tarrant County with food, housing, education classes, 
free tax preparation, job services and seniors working to stay out of 
isolation.
  Formed in 1998 as a food pantry by the Richland Hills Church of 
Christ, the CEC has expanded dramatically over the years as they 
identified the needs of individuals and families in crisis that 
extended beyond the basic need for food. In their efforts the CEC has 
partnered with homeless agencies, local municipalities, churches, 
community organizations, businesses, schools, local and state homeless 
coalitions.
  Toward accomplishing this mission, in 1993 the CEC received the first 
non-profit U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) homeless grant 
offered in the 5 state region served by the Region 6 office of the US 
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Initially extended as a 
demonstration project and known now as the Continuum of Care grant, the 
CEC matches federal funding with private resources at approximately 400 
percent. CEC was also recognized by HUD Best Practice Award in 1998 for 
their Adopt-A-Family homeless program.
  In their effort to meet broader needs, the CEC absorbed Open Arms 
Home, Inc. to reduce administrative expenses and allow more funds to be 
committed to meeting the housing needs of those fleeing from domestic 
violence. CEC's mission has also led them to provide testing and 
coaching to the underemployed to identify needs and guide them through 
education and training resources toward financial independence. 
Nutritional cooking classes were also added, along with a greater 
selection of fresh produce and frozen meat to better serve the health 
needs of those using their food pantry.
  I am grateful for the commitment of the CEC staff and volunteers for 
the 25 years of dedicated service to the underserved of Northern 
Tarrant County. I join them in celebration of all they have 
accomplished in meeting the challenges of their mission. It is my 
privilege to represent the organization and many of their volunteers in 
the U.S. House of Representatives.

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