[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 6 (Monday, January 11, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E27]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 BERACA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION'S HAITI EARTHQUAKE MEMORIAL 
                       SERVICE AND AWARD CEREMONY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HAKEEM S. JEFFRIES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 11, 2016

  Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Beraca 
Community Development Corporation (BCDC). In 2010, BCDC's mission to 
rebuild, repair and restore the lives of the disadvantaged led them to 
Haiti after the tragic 7.0 magnitude earthquake. On January 10, 2016, 
this year's awardees were honored at Beraca Baptist Church in Brooklyn, 
NY, for their invaluable service.
   BCDC opened offices in the towns of Leogane, Cabaret, Jeremie and 
Cape, Haiti where BCDC volunteer efforts are wide-reaching. The 
corporation travels to Haiti several times a year and since its 
conception has returned over 50 times in an effort to improve the lives 
of others. BCDC also provides microloans to help support local small 
businesses, employs over 400 individuals through a taxi company and 
equips teachers with resources to improve the lives of Haitian youth.
   At this year's Beraca Community Development Corporation's Haiti 
Earthquake Memorial Service and Award Ceremony, 4 dynamic individuals 
were recognized for their outstanding work, Mackenzie Pier, New York 
City Leadership Center was the recipient of the Awareness and 
Mobilization Award, Michael Scales, Nyack College was the recipient of 
the Excellence in Education Award, Marie-Yolaine Toms, 
Community2Community was the recipient of the Community Development 
Award and Michael Fromer, Millennium Capital Resources was the 
recipient of the Philanthropic Services Award. I commend these honorees 
for their commitment to serving others.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in celebrating the Beraca Community Development Corporation's 
Haiti Earthquake Memorial Service and Award Ceremony and these 4 great 
honorees.

                          ____________________