[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 56 (Monday, April 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE ROCKFORD RESCUE MISSION'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. ADAM KINZINGER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2014

  Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today 
in celebration of the Rockford Rescue Mission, which is set to 
celebrate its 50th Anniversary this May.
   Mr. Ray Stewart rented a building in 1964 in downtown Rockford in 
order to establish the Rockford Rescue Mission. There was a sign on the 
door that read, ``All are welcome here. The alcoholic, the addict, the 
stranger, the sojourner, the pilgrim, the poor. There is hope for all 
who enter here.'' This important work continues fifty years later and I 
am proud of the service they have provided to many constituents in 
Illinois' Sixteenth Congressional District.
   The Rockford Rescue Mission is open twenty-four hours a day, three 
hundred sixty-five days a year. They serve Rockford and the surrounding 
communities by providing prevention and recovery services for 
addiction, abuse, and destructive relations. They are also the primary 
provider for meals and shelter in northern Illinois and are able to 
provide these services with private donations from individuals, 
foundations, businesses, organizations, and churches. None of this 
would be possible without the tremendous help of the over 500 
volunteers who contribute nearly 45,000 hours throughout the year.
   During the Rockford Rescue Mission's 2013 fiscal year, they served 
over 160,000 meals, provided over 58,000 beds for lodging, distributed 
over 159,000 items, facilitated over 10,000 counseling sessions, and 
served over 2,500 clinic patients.
   The City of Rockford and surrounding communities can take pride in 
the Rockford Rescue Mission which gives back to the community so 
willingly. I would like to congratulate all the volunteers who have 
helped this organization over the past fifty years and I encourage them 
to continue their important service.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Sixteenth District of Illinois, 
I wish to express our appreciation for Rockford Rescue Mission's 
impressive service to the community and their diligent work.

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