[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE COMMISSION ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2016

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Commission 
on Economic Opportunity (CEO) which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary 
this year. With the mission of promoting self-sufficiency among low-
income and vulnerable populations by confronting the causes and 
reducing the effects of poverty, CEO has consistently advanced the 
wellbeing of my constituents and our community in Northeastern 
Pennsylvania.
  The Commission on Economic Opportunity was established in 1966 as a 
multi-service, nonprofit organization. With its central office in 
Wilkes-Barre, CEO has expanded to include offices throughout my 
district in Hazleton, Tunkhannock, and Kingston. CEO operates more than 
20 community development programs, and, with over 150 full and part-
time employees, their work serves over 32,000 individuals in 
Northeastern Pennsylvania each year. CEO's ability to adapt to the 
changing nature of poverty has been a key part of their success, and 
this allows them to use flexible and local solutions to promote self-
sufficiency in our region.
  When I was mayor, I worked with Gene Brady and CEO to develop the 
Pine Street neighborhood in Hazleton. This area was in need of 
renovation, and after a four block section of land was donated, Gene 
and I brought the community together to build single-family homes. 
Staying true to their mission, CEO helped these families take control 
of their mortgages and become self-sufficient homeowners. Over ten 
years later, the Pine Street neighborhood is still thriving thanks to 
the work of Gene and all of the employees and volunteers at CEO, and 
this truly exemplifies their ability to increase the standard of living 
for all.
  As a father of four and grandfather of four, I recognize the 
importance of providing our children with every opportunity to succeed. 
That's why I am grateful that an organization like CEO has taken a 
leading role in creating child and family-centered services in my 
district to ensure that the challenges of poverty do not limit anyone's 
potential. The Commission on Economic Opportunity also understands the 
need for strategic partnerships to address the root causes of poverty. 
Their efforts to provide funding and leadership for groups such as 
Luzerne County Head Start, the Child Development Council of NEPA, Rural 
Health Corporation of NEPA, and Maternal and Family Services of NEPA, 
have allowed them to reach the community at large, while efficiently 
using their resources to establish more low-income organizations in the 
region. The Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Center for Healthy Living 
exemplifies their strategic partnerships, as they utilize their own 
Weinberg Food Bank to store and distribute food to a network of 
regional agencies, with the intent of helping people go ``from hungry 
to healthy.''
  Mr. Speaker, with 50 years of successful service in Northeastern 
Pennsylvania, the Commission on Economic Opportunity has consistently 
set an example of what can be achieved when a private organization 
engages with their community. On behalf of my constituents, I want to 
thank the board of directors, staff, and volunteers that have worked 
tirelessly to make their goal of ``People Helping People'' possible, 
and I look forward to their continued success in Northeastern 
Pennsylvania.

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