[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 148 (Monday, September 16, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   50TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOURNEY HOUSE

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Journey House 
in Milwaukee, WI, on its 50th anniversary. For five decades, Journey 
House has been a beacon of hope in the city's Clarke Square 
neighborhood. Since its founding in the summer of 1969, Journey House 
has made tremendous strides in helping families move out of poverty on 
Milwaukee's near Southside. I am delighted to honor this remarkable 
community organization and commemorate this significant milestone.
  Through its four core programs, Journey House has helped low-income 
community members achieve their greatest potential. Its adult education 
program provides basic skills and GED education in both English and 
Spanish to lay the foundation for a successful career path. Its youth 
development programs focus on keeping children and young adults away 
from drugs and violence. Its emphasis on workforce readiness builds the 
skills and motivation employers seek. Its family engagement events 
offer the simple but important gift of spending time together in a safe 
and welcoming environment. Programming also includes community learning 
centers, housing for homeless youth aging out of foster care, and 
affordable family housing.
  Journey House began with a staff of two local teenagers, Zlan 
Kleczewski and Rudy Rosas, working as codirectors. With funding from 
VISTA--Volunteers in Service to America--they organized programs for 
youth engagement and development. As Journey House started to grow and 
as Zlan and Rudy returned to school, the organization sought permanent 
leadership.
  After receiving its first VISTA grant in 1969, Journey House hired 
its first full-time director in 1971. Today, Journey House is led by 
Dr. Michele Bria who, since her start in 1998, has been the inspiration 
behind the agency's success. Under her leadership, the agency has grown 
from a small operation with two sites and a $200,000 budget to a 
multimillion dollar organization that serves thousands daily. Her hard 
work and commitment are reflected in the achievements of countless 
youth and families who have broken the cycle of poverty.
  From its humble beginnings five decades ago, Journey House has played 
a transformative role in one of Milwaukee's most ethnically diverse and 
economically challenged neighborhoods. I am proud to recognize the 
contributions made by Journey House over the past 50 years, and I am 
grateful for the work the staff do every day to change lives for the 
better.

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