[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 141 (Thursday, October 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACT OF PADS LAKE COUNTY AND 
    WISHING CONGRATULATIONS ON THE OPENING OF ITS NEW FAMILY CENTER

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                       HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2013

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate PADS Lake 
County on the grand opening of its new Family Center and to recognize 
the incredible impact PADS has on our local community.
   PADS has been battling homelessness in Lake County, Illinois for 
more than 25 years, and in that time, they have offered a hand up and a 
path forward to countless individuals and families who fell on hard 
times. PADS' mission can be summed up simply by their guiding phrase: 
``Helping the Homeless Find a Way.''
   Through a broad variety of services, including those specifically 
for veterans, families and children, PADS Lake County not only offers 
temporary support and shelter, but helps guide their clients to a long-
term, positive path forward.
   With the opening of this new Family Center, PADS will be able to 
reach even more people who are suffering from homelessness, 
particularly important just a few years removed from one of this 
country's most severe economic meltdowns. Just last year, PADS saw a 20 
percent increase in the services it was able to offer.
   Those numbers translate to real families and real lives touched--
improved. Since 2009, PADS increased the number of individuals served 
by 96 percent. There are people who need the assistance PADS offers, 
and through the heroic work of its staff, the commitment of its 
volunteers and the generosity of its supporters, PADS can reach further 
than ever.
   This new Family Center will expand PADS' reach in the area and 
create a refuge for even more struggling families in the community.
   PADS stands for Providing Advocacy, Dignity and Shelter. Through 
their hard work, they have achieved these aims, and through their 
example, they have inspired the community.
   I congratulate PADS Lake County on this ribbon cutting, and I thank 
them, the entire community thanks them, for the work they have done and 
will do.

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