[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 196 (Monday, December 9, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING OPERATION REFUGE'S 11TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 9, 2019

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Operation Refuge, 
an outstanding charitable organization in Inkster, Michigan.
   Operation Refuge was officially founded in 2008, but the seeds of 
the organization were planted eight years before. In 2000, Mother's 
Pantry began operating out of Christ Temple City of Refuge Church and 
grew out of Mother Greenwood's vision to serve vulnerable communities. 
There was an increased need for food assistance after the nearby GM 
plant closed down. People were suddenly out of work and struggling to 
meet basic needs. As a pantry without borders and Inkster's only 
client-choice food pantry, Mother's Pantry continues to fulfill the 
emergency food needs of communities under Operation Refuge's umbrella.
   Staff and volunteers identified another pertinent community need and 
began tutoring youth. In 2008, Gap Dwellers after school tutoring 
evolved into Camp Inspire to address a lack of opportunity for girls of 
color in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) 
fields. Camp Inspire began as a summer program for girls that helps 
them recognize their potential through life-changing experiences and 
exposure to STEAM projects. Camp Inspire is one of Operation Refuge's 
most successful programs, drawing in more participants each year. In 
addition to its Leaders in Training (LIT) program which helps teens 
develop the skills they already have inside, Operation Refuge is making 
a huge impact among the young people of Inkster and Wayne County.
   Please join me in salute to Operation Refuge, its volunteers, and 
staff on more than a decade of service.

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