[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 26, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN MEMORY OF OV SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2014

  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear 
friend OV Smith, who died on March 14th at the age of 99. I had the 
pleasure of knowing OV for more than 30 years. We became friends while 
I served in the California State Assembly and she was working to 
educate members of the Assembly about the needs of persons with 
developmental disabilities.
  OV Smith dedicated her life to caring for the developmentally 
disabled. For more than 40 years, she welcomed them into her home while 
also taking them to church on Sundays, traveling with them on cruises 
and other trips, and accompanying them to activities in the community. 
OV founded several organizations in Los Angeles. She helped these 
groups to initiate public policy through the legislative process and 
educate caregivers on how to care for and develop their clients.
  In 1970, Ms. Smith founded OV's Willing Workers for the Mentally 
Retarded, which provides day care, social development and educational 
services to developmentally disabled persons. This was the first 
organization of its kind in California that provided extensive and 
comprehensive services.
  She also founded the Society of California Care Home Operators 
(SOCCO), which trains caregivers and connects them with the legislative 
process so they can acquaint themselves with the law and become 
advocates for the developmentally disabled. Finally, OV helped found 
the South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC), which contracts 
with the State of California to coordinate services for the 
developmentally disabled.
  Her courage to confront the establishment, knowledge of the law, and 
commitment to initiate change gained the respect of lawmakers, agency 
officials, and the overall community. She had been recognized by many 
organizations and sought out for her insights. Her motto ``These are 
God's people, and we are responsible for them'' bespoke the true heart 
she put into advocating for people with developmental disabilities.
  OV Smith will be sorely missed by everyone who was touched by her 
graciousness. We all benefitted from her commitment, vision, and caring 
heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends 
during this difficult time.

                          ____________________