[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 7 (Monday, January 13, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E29]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE OPENING OF THE FRIENDSHIP CAFE

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                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 13, 2020

  Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Friendship Cafe, 
a restaurant created by the nonprofit The Friendship Circle of Fort 
Lauderdale. This cafe uplifts adults with developmental and 
intellectual disabilities by providing them with jobs and employment 
training in the food service, hospitality and customer service 
industry.
  According to the Department of Labor 80 percent of adults with 
disabilities do not enter the workforce due to various barriers to 
employment. The Friendship Cafe aims to lower that percentage by 
fulfilling a vital role in Fort Lauderdale as a safe, secure, and 
educational environment where adults with disabilities can earn a 
living wage.
  The cafe will serve a Mediterranean inspired menu curated by world 
renowned Israeli chef Yoram Getter. Bill Fienberg, the President of 
Allied Kitchen and Bath, donated his firm's labor and materials to 
build the cafe, International decorator Perla Lichi of Perla Lichi 
Designs helped the cafe complete their image with a French inspired 
interior design. Due to the leadership at the Las Olas Chabad Jewish 
Center and their support and partnership with the Friendship Circle 
adults with disabilities in Fort Lauderdale are now provided with 
resources to help them succeed in finding employment.
  Please join me in congratulating the Friendship Circle and their 
community partners on the opening of the Friendship Cafe.

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