[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 96 (Thursday, June 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE CENTER FOR FATHERS AND FAMILIES' 14TH ANNUAL 
                      SALUTE TO FATHERHOOD BANQUET

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2016

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Center for 
Fathers and Families as friends and supporters gather to celebrate 
those being honored at the 14th Annual Salute to Fatherhood Banquet. I 
ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the Center for Fathers and 
Families and these fine fathers.
  Founded over two decades ago, the Center for Fathers and Families 
focuses on promoting the roles that fathers and father-figures play in 
their families and in our community as a whole. The Center offers many 
programs and services that aim to enrich and empower fathers and their 
families. Classes for parents include parenting classes for men, co-
parenting classes, anger management classes, and GED preparation and 
completion, as well as individual personal assistance sessions. Each of 
these services and transformational programs make the Center for 
Fathers and Families a cornerstone of our community.
  At this year's gala, four men will be honored for their contributions 
to our community as fathers, father-figures, and mentors. I would like 
to recognize each of these men, Frankie McDermott, Kevin Ridgle, 
Peterson Latortue, and Micah Simmons, for their commitment to parenting 
and mentoring our youth. These men truly model the Center's motto, 
``Fatherhood is Forever.''
  Mr. Speaker, as friends and families of the Center for Fathers and 
Families gather to recognize this year's honorees, I ask all my 
colleagues to join me in honoring them for their unwavering commitment 
to family and to strengthening our community.

                          ____________________