[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    RECOGNIZING MARIA MATOS AND THE LATIN AMERICAN COMMUNITY CENTER

 Mr. COONS. Madam President, on behalf of Senator Tom Carper 
and myself, I wish to recognize two special occasions in Wilmington, DE 
happening on September 5, 2014: the 45th anniversary of the Latin 
American Community Center, LACC, serving the Hispanic community of 
Delaware as well as to honor the service, dedication and passion of a 
name synonymous with the service to Delaware's vibrant Hispanic 
community: Maria Matos.
  The LACC's continuum of care promotes education, life skills, and an 
enhanced quality of life while celebrating diverse Hispanic cultures. 
The LACC was founded in 1969 in the Hilltop section of Wilmington 
serving and supporting the community and people that surround it.
  Over the last 45 years, the LACC has focused on lifelong learning 
that concentrates on the educational needs of client families, from 
quality pre-school programs to adult education; and life empowerment, 
focusing on the immediate life needs families and individuals may face, 
from short term case management to a job placement or English language 
skills.
  Since 1994, Maria Matos has been the executive director and driving 
force behind the LACC. Her impact has been felt not just in the 
Hispanic community, but throughout Wilmington and New Castle County. 
She has contributed her leadership skills to such boards as the Medical 
Center of Delaware, Grand Opera House, Delaware Community Foundation, 
and Advisory Council for the Fund for Women, as well as at the 
grassroots level supporting the Hilltop Working Group, an alliance of 
residents and legislators who work to promote the community's well-
being.
  In conclusion, we would like to congratulate Ms. Matos on her years 
of service to the LACC as well as the LACC on its 45 years of service 
to the community, and wish each of them luck in the future.

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