[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E307-E308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF ROBERT J. HAND

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2016

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and recognize the 
service of Mr. Robert J. Hand's thirty year career dedicated to public 
service. Until his recent retirement, Mr. Hand served as the Executive 
Director for Resources for Independence, Central Valley (RICV) for the 
past ten years. RICV is a non-

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profit organization whose mission is to ``encourage people with 
disabilities to be in control of their lives and to live more 
independently through a diverse range of choices and opportunities.'' 
Bob dedicated his forty-year career to public service, and his efforts 
will continue to impact the community and be felt by all who have had 
the opportunity to work with him along the way.
  Bob has been very active in many organizations and has held countless 
leadership roles over the course of his career. Through his role with 
RICV, Bob aided in the establishment of Inspiration Park, California's 
first universally accessible public park. The eight-acre park features 
several basketball courts, a fully accessible playground, a sensory 
garden, fitness cluster, Dog Park, and so much more. While there are 
many parks in California that feature some disabled friendly features, 
Inspiration Park is the only one that serves these needs one hundred 
percent. Additionally, since the park's recent opening in late 2015, 
Bob and his team at RICV, along with their other partners, have 
committed to providing funding for the general development along with 
maintenance of the park.
  In addition to his time at RICV, Bob also served as the former 
Chairman of the Board of the California Foundation for Independent 
Living Centers, California State Rehabilitation Council, and the City 
of Fresno Disability Advisory Commission. He is also the founder and 
facilitator of the Central Valley Coalition for Human Services. Bob 
received his Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from 
California State University, Fresno and later returned as an adjunct 
instructor to teach leadership development for people suffering from 
disabilities. He has shared countless presentations in California, 
Kansas, South Carolina, and South Korea aimed to supplement the 
``Leaders without Limits'' training manuals which he co-authored. While 
Bob's career has been filled with many personal accomplishments, it is 
without a doubt that his life's goal was not to improve upon his own 
successes, but rather to improve the lives of others.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating a man who 
has dedicated his entire career to public service. Bob's many 
accomplishments within the community are a direct reflection of his 
strong dedication and perseverance. Through these accomplishments, Bob 
has improved the lives of many, and even upon his retirement, will 
undeniably continue to do so for many years to come.

                          ____________________