[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF LAHC'S 30 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO SOUTHEAST 
                                MICHIGAN

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2018

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leaders 
Advancing and Helping Communities (LAHC) as they celebrate their 30th 
Annual Awards Gala. Their efforts enrich the lives of countless 
Michigan residents through their programming.
  LAHC was founded in 1982 as an athletic organization in Dearborn, 
Michigan with the mission of providing community members with a way to 
connect with neighbors and exercise. As Dearborn's Arab American 
population grew through the 1980s and 1990s, LAHC realized its 
potential and expanded to serve the needs of the fast-growing 
community. The organization's leaders made the decision to shift from a 
health-centered organization to one that focused on the Dearborn 
community and initiatives that spread awareness of Arab culture. After 
receiving continuous feedback from community members, LAHC realized the 
importance of promoting education and now has a rich network of local 
sponsors and scholarships that aid students throughout their 
educational journey while simultaneously supporting local medical 
initiatives.
  As LAHC grew in influence and size, the organization expanded its 
programming to focus on three main tenets: education, public health and 
human services. The organization has provided 1,200 students over $1.3 
million in educational scholarships as well as local mentors for 
graduating seniors. LAHC also works closely with schools in 
southeastern Michigan to empower children to take control of their own 
health by offering cooking and fitness classes in local schools. Over 
the years, LAHC has grown in size and influence due to the positive 
impact it has made on southeast Michigan residents. It is proud to 
offer food assistance, clothing and temporary shelter, as well as 
translation services to community members. Leaders Advancing and 
Healing Communities has bettered southeast Michigan through its 
members' empathetic and dedicated leadership. We are grateful for their 
30 years of service and look forward to their public service in the 
years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Leaders 
Advancing and Helping Communities as they celebrate 30 years of service 
to our southeast Michigan community. Their work in our local community 
has had a tremendous impact and helped improve the lives of countless 
Michigan residents.

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