[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF BLACK FAMILY DEVELOPMENT INC. 
                      DURING ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2018

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorees of 
the Black Family Development Corporation's 2018 Community Champions 
Arise Detroit and Impact Detroit awards amid its 40th anniversary. The 
BFDI has played a critical role in helping empower families in Michigan 
by giving them the help they need.
  Since its founding in 1978, the BFDI has promoted and provided 
excellent social services in Detroit that are suited to the particular 
cultural needs of communities. The Detroit Chapter of the National 
Association of Black Social Workers, which was the precursor to BFDI, 
was based on the community derived needs and resulted in a programmatic 
focus by BFDI on child abuse and neglect. The BFDI works on behalf of 
children and families in their own communities in a culturally 
competent and respectful manner. These services have improved the lives 
of both parents and children in Detroit for forty years, and the 
success of their programs suggests it has a very long and bright future 
ahead of it.
  The BFDI's work has been indispensable in helping forgotten 
communities of color. Its efforts have increased graduation rates, 
improved the skills of parents, and set guidelines to develop positive 
behaviors in at-risk children. I am proud to recognize the outstanding 
efforts of the BFDI and its members, and it is my hope that they will 
continue to be an influential and positive voice for countless 
families.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Black 
Family Development Inc and its 40 years of success. Its work on behalf 
of neglected communities in Detroit has played a key role in caring for 
American families.

                          ____________________