[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE EDDIE WASHINGTON CENTER FOR 20 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING 
                         SERVICE IN LAKE COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2014

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the Eddie Washington 
Center for Men in Waukegan, Illinois, the largest city in the district 
I represent, has been helping men rise for 20 years in Lake County.
  In 1993, Township Supervisor Patricia Jones united her community to 
renovate an old fire station and establish the Eddie Washington Center, 
a transitional home for adult men struggling with homelessness.
  Taking a holistic approach, the Eddie Washington Center seeks to 
break the persistent cycle of homelessness and offer a hand up and push 
forward to the men who seek help. Stressing the spirit of giving back 
to the community, residents of the center offer services while learning 
skills to promote an independent, successful life. Some of these 
services further contribute to our community, including snow removal 
and lawn care for local seniors.
  In addition to offering a safe, clean and nurturing resident 
environment, the Eddie Washington Center offers counseling, mentoring, 
vocational training and much more to effect positive change.
  Homelessness is a stubborn condition, one that is incredibly 
difficult to break. The goal of the Eddie Washington Center, through 
hard work and innovative methods, is to break that lifestyle and set 
residents on a sustainable, positive path forward.
  February is Black History Month, honoring the contributions and 
commitments of African American leaders to communities throughout the 
country. So too, let us honor the work of the staff and volunteers at 
the Eddie Washington Center. These dedicated men and women have devoted 
their time and energies to their community. Their example is one we can 
all follow, and their success with the Eddie Washington Center is 
something we can all celebrate.
  Congratulations and thank you to the Eddie Washington Center on 20 
remarkable years.

                          ____________________