[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 163 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1469-E1470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NIAGARA ORGANIZING ALLIANCE FOR 
                                  HOPE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2016

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize NOAH, Niagara 
Organizing Alliance for Hope, on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary 
and to extend deepest appreciation for this grassroots organization's 
tireless efforts on behalf of those in need in Niagara County.
   In 2005, a group of faith and neighborhood leaders came together to 
make their community a better place focusing particular attention to 
the economic struggles of the inner city of Niagara Falls. Today, NOAH 
is a faith-based, urban, suburban and racially diverse community 
organizing coalition of over 22 congregations, labor unions and 
community organizations that collaboratively work for positive social 
change in the city of Niagara Falls and Niagara County.
   NOAH is also an affiliate of Gamaliel, a national network of faith 
based organizations whose mission is to empower ordinary people to 
effectively participate in the political, environmental social and 
economic decisions affecting their lives.
   With its core values rooted in the principles of democracy and 
social justice for all, NOAH has worked on job creation, education, 
economic development, parks and public transportation, winning 
significant victories in all.
   NOAH's work to bring attention to workforce racial disparities 
across the region culminated at a standing room only public meeting 
this year with sister organization VOICE-Buffalo that featured U.S. 
Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez. A Buffalo native who remains deeply 
connected to our community, Secretary Perez brought a very unique 
perspective on techniques for greater collaboration on critical issues 
of workforce opportunity and development.
   Greater collaboration was clearly evidenced when in August we joined 
with NOAH, Laborers' Local 91, Iron Workers' Local 9, Catholic 
Charities of Buffalo and the City of Niagara Falls to announce a 
federal grant to support the implementation of an innovative Pre-
Apprenticeship Program to address the barriers too many people of color 
face in pursuing a career in the building trades.
   This grant fuels the momentum started during the community 
discussions on workforce development with U.S. Labor Secretary Perez. 
Through this unique collaborative effort, faith-based, labor, 
government and social service agencies are working together to provide 
new opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to begin a stable 
and rewarding career path.
   And while the work will and must continue, those whose efforts have 
contributed to NOAH's accomplishments and achievements gather on 
October 6th under the leadership of NOAH Board President, Rev. JoAnne 
Scott, to celebrate ten years of service and solidarity.
   Throughout this evening of praise and commendation to continue the 
work, there will also be a presentation of awards to those individuals 
whose contributions have advanced the mission of NOAH including Sister 
Beth Brosmer, Deputy Carl Cain, Rev. Lora Allen, Richard Palladino and 
Rev. Harvey L. Kelley.
   Since January 2010, Sr. Beth Brosmer, OSF, has served as the 
executive director of Heart, Love & Soul Food Pantry & Dining Room in 
Niagara Falls, N.Y. Working almost seven years at Heart, Love & Soul 
she continues in a servant-leadership role as a Sister of St. Francis 
of Penance and Christian Charity where she continues to work harder, 
inspire more and expand needed services to those who need so much.
   Deputy Superintendent of Police Carlton Cain has served with 
distinction for more than 25 years as a member of the Niagara Falls 
Police Department. His assignments have included patrol, street crimes, 
housing, internal affairs, community relations and co-director of the 
Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. He brought the Game Changers 
program to the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club which received federal 
recognition by President Barack Obama.

[[Page E1470]]

   Rev. Lora Allen is known and respected as an accomplished speaker, 
motivational leader, teacher and preacher. She is the wife of the Rev. 
Raymond Allen, Pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church in Niagara Falls 
where she serves as Associate Pastor. Rev. Allen is also the Niagara 
County Democratic Elections Commissioner, the first African American 
woman to hold that position in New York State.
   Richard Palladino served his country in the United States Navy and 
continues to serve his community as the business manager of Local 91. A 
laborer in the construction field for decades, his passionate 
commitment for all those he represents is indisputable as he 
strengthened the relationship with the Laborers International Union of 
North America, as well as local, state and federal officials to ensure 
Local 91 realizes its full potential. His determination to help others 
reach their full potential is exemplified by his implementation of 
training classes and initiation of the Apprentice Program.
   Since 1982, Pastor Harvey Kelley has served the members and the 
ministry of the New Hope Baptist Church of Niagara Falls and will lead 
the celebration of his Church's 80 years of service in March of 2017. 
Adding to a distinguished list of accomplishments, Rev. Kelley is a 
member of the Niagara Ministerial Council and a member of the Board of 
Directors of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and served in the 
Urban Ministry Program at Niagara University. He is a former board 
member of Niagara Community Center, Niagara Falls Chapter of the Red 
Cross, Niagara Habitat for Humanity, and the Center for the Study and 
Stabilization of the Black Family, formerly located at Niagara 
University.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to acknowledge NOAH's 
leadership, membership and those they will recognize on October, 6, 
2016 on its first decade of remarkable achievements and to wish them 
success and support as their mission of action, empowerment and 
inclusiveness moves our community forward making our community a better 
place for all.

                          ____________________