[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. DELORES JACOBS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JUAN VARGAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2018

  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Delores Jacobs for 
her outstanding career spent dedicated to empowering local San Diego 
LGBT community members, as well as her inspirational drive to impact 
public policy. These policies encourage the improvement and 
preservation of the LGBT community and allies.
  Dr. Jacobs launched her momentous career in 1998 when she began 
serving at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, ``The Center,'' as the 
Director of Behavioral Health Services. In 2001, she was selected as 
the Chief Executive Officer of The Center and served this position 
until June 30, 2018. Thanks to her strong leadership and far-reaching 
efforts, this facility is now recognized as one of the nation's oldest 
and largest LGBT Centers, as it now offers over 60,000 services to 
25,000 people annually.
  Throughout her career of 20 years spent at The Center, Dr. Jacobs' 
efforts led to the development of progressive, one-of-a-kind programs; 
Dr. Jacobs assisted in creating the Hillcrest Youth Center, the 
country's first Latino services department at an LGBT center, as well 
as the establishment of the 23-unit Sunburst Youth Housing program, 
which seeks to provide aid for formerly homeless LGBT youth.
  Dr. Jacobs' mission did not stop at community involvement, she also 
sought to impact public policy through the establishment of The 
Center's Get Out The Vote (GOTV) organization, as well as leading the 
charge towards the defeat of California's unjust state constitutional 
amendment, Proposition 8, that banned same-sex marriage.
  Dr. Jacobs' proven dedication and leadership has not gone unnoticed, 
and she remains an inspiration to us all. Delores was chosen as the 
inaugural recipient of the, ``Local Heroes'' Award from KPBS and Union 
Bank, as well as the LEAD San Diego's Visionary Award for Diversity and 
the Equality Leadership Award from Equality California.
  On behalf of California's 51st Congressional District, I would like 
to formally extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Jacobs on her 
retirement and career of effecting change for a marginalized community, 
I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

                          ____________________