[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 155 (Thursday, October 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1516-E1517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE REDLANDS CHRISTIAN MIGRANT ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2015

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Redlands 
Christian Migrant Association on their 50th anniversary, and to commend 
its exemplary service to the Florida community.
   The Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) was founded by 
members of the Mennonite Church in 1965. They had noticed that the 
children of migrant workers faced extraordinarily dangerous conditions 
when they went into the fields with their parents. Parents had no other 
option but to bring their children with them into fields as they 
harvested crops. The RCMA brought in caregivers from the cultures of 
the workers to establish trust between the parents and their children's 
caregivers. The level of trust and close contact with the community 
formed the basis of the RCMA's successful model of provider to many 
cultures.
   The RCMA began its service with seventy-five children in two 
facilities. It now serves over 8,000 children in over eighty-five 
centers. These facilities serve a large range of needs in the 
community. The RCMA's Early Head Start centers accept children as young 
as six weeks, while its after-school programs cater to ages 6 through 
16. On all levels, the association prioritizes safety, health, and 
education.
   Having dealt with the RCMA for a number of years, I know the level 
of commitment and dedication that the entire organization has for its 
work. It has served thousands of families and become an integral part 
of our community. I am proud to say that the RCMA serves so many 
families in our state. They are truly a model of an organization that 
cares. I look forward to many more years of working with the RCMA, and 
wish them nothing but the best.
   Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Redlands Christian 
Migrant Association for its continued service in Florida and I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable organization.

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