[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 106 (Thursday, June 17, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H2921-H2923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          SERVICE BEFORE SELF

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 4, 2021, the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Slotkin) is 
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
  (Ms. SLOTKIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her 
remarks.)
  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about service by 
recognizing individuals and organizations who have stepped up when 
their fellow citizens needed them most. Through their actions, they 
have shown what it means to put others before self.


                        Dr. Saturnino Rodriguez

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I begin by rising today to honor Dr. 
Saturnino Rodriguez, a good friend and devoted servant of the Latino 
community in Lansing.
  Over the years, Dr. Rodriguez, or Nino as he is known around town, 
has had many titles. In each role, he has left a profound impact on the 
students, faculty, parents, and community residents that call greater 
Lansing home.
  Dr. Rodriguez has spent his entire professional life working in 
schools--first in Peru, then in Grand Rapids, and then Lansing, where 
he has worked tirelessly for the past 50 years to improve the lives of 
children through education. His career has taken him from being a 
counselor at C.W. Otto Junior High, an assistant principal at Gardner 
Junior High and Eastern High School, principal at Pattengill Middle 
School, and finally as deputy superintendent of the entire school 
district.
  He was an innovator in the classroom, developing a clustered teaching 
approach that is still being used today. In addition, he led the 
adoption of guidelines proposed by the Youth Violence Prevention 
Coalition, which brought about significant positive changes in student 
and community relations.
  Since 2009, he has been an elected member of the Lansing District 
Board of Education, a role that he carries out with joy because it 
allows him to continue his service to Lansing students.
  Dr. Rodriguez' passions extend beyond education. He is an officer 
with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Ingham County 
Health Department's Board of Health. But to really know Dr. Rodriguez, 
you only need to read his monthly magazine Adelante Forward.
  Published in both English and Spanish, Adelante Forward has been an 
instrumental source of information for the Lansing community, 
advertising new businesses and spreading word about resources from Head 
Start classes to COVID vaccine clinics. It has been a key way to reach 
Latino and Hispanic residents, bridging the language gap in order to 
improve community relations. And, as I am sure Dr. Rodriguez is proud 
to know, it is even being used by some Spanish language teachers as 
part of their lesson plans.
  The publication wouldn't be possible without the special partners 
that work to put it together: Danny Layne, Allena Tapia, Patricia 
Briones, and Dr. George Mansour. In addition, no tribute to Dr. 
Rodriguez would be complete without mention of his wife of 30 years, 
Margarita, as well as their two daughters and two grandchildren.
  It is my privilege to represent Dr. Rodriguez in Washington. I am 
grateful for his willingness to always speak to me about Lansing's 
needs. Every time we are able to connect, it is a pleasure to hear 
about the good work being done to improve the lives of others. I am 
appreciative of his commitment to serving others, and it is my honor to 
recognize him today in the permanent Record of the people's House.

                              {time}  1315


                         Honoring Lisa Brinker

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Lisa Brinker, a 
resident of Lake Orion, who has been there for her community when it 
needed her most.
  Ms. Brinker has faced adversity in her life. Three years ago, her 
husband passed away from brain cancer. Out of that pain, she found 
purpose. Over the course of the last year, she has devoted her time to 
the New Day Foundation for Families, a local nonprofit that supports 
those fighting cancer and their loved ones.
  The financial cost of a cancer diagnosis goes beyond just medical 
care, as I know well. Beyond the loss of income, the increase in 
expenses, and emotional distress, it is a diagnosis that can consume us 
entirely. And that is where the New Day Foundation for Families comes 
in. With an army of local volunteers like Ms. Brinker, they provide 
resources to give cancer patients hope through financial assistance and 
emotional support.
  When her husband was in the hospital, Ms. Brinker was surrounded by 
family, friends, and churchgoers who helped lighten the load. For her, 
she wouldn't have known what to do without that help. And it is why she 
works so hard to make someone else's load a little lighter. During the 
pandemic, when family members of immunocompromised patients saw a trip 
to the grocery store as a fraught experience, Ms. Brinker was there to 
provide for their essential needs.
  Since the program began last spring, volunteers like Lisa made more 
than 300 deliveries helping 125 families in total. They were a godsend 
during COVID, and not just for their food deliveries. By demonstrating 
that service doesn't stop, not even during a once-in-a-generation 
pandemic, Ms. Brinker was a source of inspiration and strength. With an 
infectious attitude that brightens the days of all she serves, we are 
lucky to have her in our community.
  Ms. Brinker has persevered through adversity and loss, and it has 
magnified her service. With the powerful perspective that comes with 
experience, she has used it to better her Lake Orion community. As a 
humble spirit, she prefers that any recognition focus on making a 
difference. An article in the local paper ended with her asking readers 
to get themselves involved. And true to form, for this recognition, she 
indicated that credit should go to the good people of the New Day 
Foundation for Families.
  It is a rare soul who can reduce pain and hardship in others, 
especially when they themselves have been in that position. For her 
work to honor the loving memory of her husband and her tireless service 
to community, it is my privilege to recognize Lisa Brinker on the House 
floor today.


                          Honoring Lisa Kocab

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize another Lisa, the 
ultimate champion and advocate for the disability community in 
Brighton, Michigan, Ms. Lisa Kocab.
  Put simply, Lisa is a powerhouse. As a teacher and a mother of five, 
including an incredible 10-year-old boy, PJ, who has Down syndrome, she 
has built and created an incredible circle of support since moving back 
to Michigan in 2016.

[[Page H2922]]

  At first, when she was scouting schools for PJ, she had to push 
through being told ``no.'' The family wanted to move back to be nearer 
to the kids' grandparents, but the first school district that they 
called referred to students with special needs as ``those kids.'' Other 
schools gave similar responses when asked if PJ could be placed in 
general education.
  That is, until she called Brighton's special education director, who 
told Lisa that PJ could absolutely go to school with the other 
students; that if they moved to Brighton, she would work with them. So 
that is what Lisa and her husband did.
  Now, Lisa will be the first to tell you that it wasn't always smooth 
sailing. She has had to overcome plenty of challenges from PJ's 
struggles with development to the hurt of hearing intolerant words and 
from other families.
  Lisa has been tested in too many ways to count, but she has turned 
her pain into purpose by deciding to open Gigi's Playhouse in 
Southfield, Michigan. With more than 45 locations nationwide, Gigi's 
Playhouses are now ``achievement centers'' for individuals with Down 
syndrome. They are spaces that are specifically designed for kids to 
interact and play with each other while offering free programs to learn 
how to read, improve their health, develop career skills, and reach 
their greatest potential.
  Lisa was the driving force behind fundraising, searching for a 
location, and pulling resources together. Now, with her dream a 
reality, she strives every day to realize the vision of Gigi's 
Playhouses, to see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are 
accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities.
  In its first year of operation, Gigi's served 383 people with Down 
syndrome, more than half of whom were adults. Since then, they have 
expanded their offerings and, in order to help more residents, even 
adapting during the pandemic by switching to virtual programs.
  Mr. Speaker, I am a firm believer in finding your people, those who 
will have your back and stay by your side through ups and downs, 
failures and successes. Without a doubt, Lisa Kocab has found her 
people in Brighton and at Gigi's Playhouse; and the disability 
community in Michigan has found its person in Lisa.
  She is an inspiration to us all, and I am so proud to represent her 
here in the Halls of Congress. It is my honor to speak these words into 
the Congressional Record so that her story can inspire all who read it.


                      Recognizing the Wong Family

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a staple of the 
community, the Wong family of Wong Express House in Brighton.
  Before moving to Michigan, Xueqi Wong worked as a fisherman and a 
security officer for his town while raising his family with his wife, 
Mei, in Fujian province, China.
  They immigrated to the U.S. in 1991, moving to Brighton 10 years 
later, where they have built a successful business with a loyal 
following for the last two decades. Mr. Wong, known as Ed around town, 
is known for his work ethic and attention to detail. His employees rave 
about the culture he brings to the team. ``Extremely flexible and 
supportive,'' ``Very welcoming and inspiring,'' ``I feel honored to 
work with such excellent people'' is some of what they have said.

  Mr. Wong's character truly came through in his devotion to keeping 
his customers and employees safe during COVID-19. At a time when 
restaurants and dining establishments were particularly hard hit by the 
public health restrictions, Mr. Wong put a plan in place to allow Wong 
Express House to stay afloat.
  After closing for 9 weeks, they reopened on May 29, 2020, as a model 
for safe service. With a separate enclosed area inside the restaurant, 
the dining area was transformed into a contactless pickup window for 
customer convenience. Instead of dine-in, the restaurant trained staff 
to fully transition into drive-thru and carry-out only.
  The changes were not easy, but the space was turned into a safe, 
simple, and effective process that limited customer-to-staff 
interaction, keeping everyone safe from infection. That ability to 
adapt, to work through the challenges in order to keep customers 
satisfied, is why I am proud to recognize Mr. Wong; his wife, Mei; 
their son, Jian on the floor of the House today.
  Their pride in their restaurant is evident as soon as you walk in the 
door, and their resilience can be found in their dedication to each 
other and our community. During the shutdown, when Jian had to travel 
back to Brooklyn to support his wife and two kids, Mr. and Mrs. Wong 
stayed in Brighton holding down the fort to make sure that their staff 
would be taken care of.
  It is no surprise that on their first day back in business they were 
so overwhelmed with support to the point that they completely sold out 
of food. Now, as they chart a course for the weeks and months ahead, I 
know that the Wong family will continue to demonstrate the toughness 
and grit that Michiganians are known for during uncertain times.
  On behalf of a grateful community, it is my honor to recognize the 
leadership and staff at Wong Express House by inserting their story of 
resilience into the permanent Record so that it may last for years to 
come.


                   Recognizing Peckham, Incorporated

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization 
in my district that goes above and beyond by providing job training 
opportunities for folks with significant disabilities and other 
barriers to employment.
  A nonprofit based in Lansing, Peckham, Incorporated, provides a 
platform for people to demonstrate their unique abilities by learning 
new skills and enjoying the rewards of an honest day's works. From 
career planning to vocational training, to employer services, Peckham 
offers more than 30 different programs that create opportunities for 
every single individual they work with.
  Named after the former rehabilitation services director of the State 
of Michigan, Ralf Peckham, they began serving the greater Lansing 
region in 1976. Today, they have grown into one of the largest 
community rehabilitation programs in the entire State.
  With core values of compassion, community, and collaboration as a 
foundation, Peckham has broken the mold of what a human services agency 
can be. They go beyond just matching skills to places of employment. 
They treat each person, no matter their ability, with respect and 
dignity. Their holistic approach to each situation allows them to build 
an environment of trust, where each person they work with can thrive.
  A physical, cognitive, behavioral, or socioeconomic challenge should 
never get in the way of someone realizing their full potential. To that 
end, Peckham makes our district and our State a better place to live. 
At a fundamental level, they help folks to earn economic and personal 
independence by creating, sustaining, and improving employment 
opportunities in our community.
  Peckham is a leader of workplace culture, from how employers view 
mental health to how to safely reopen as we see a light at the end of 
the tunnel in COVID-19. For their efforts, they have been featured in 
Fortune Magazine's Great Places to Work List, and recognized by the 
U.S. Department of Labor with the Gold Hire Vets Medallion Award.
  Mr. Speaker, accessibility and diversity are cornerstones of a modern 
workplace. They make our economy stronger, bring our communities 
closer, and demonstrate what our country is all about: Equality of 
opportunity.
  Today, I am proud to congratulate Peckham on 45 successful years 
harnessing the power of acceptance. They develop potential, work with 
purpose, and deliver results. With these remarks on the House floor, 
may their contributions to our Nation live on in the Congressional 
Record.


          Recognizing Livingston County Medical Reserve Corps

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because, in Livingston County, 
there is a group of retired medical professionals and volunteers that 
answer the call to serve by staying in action and continuing to train 
in the event of emergencies.
  In 2006, the Livingston County Medical Reserve Corps was founded as a 
public health volunteer team. Today, I am proud to honor them on the 
House floor during their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  As one of the 762 Medical Reserve Corps units in the Nation, they are

[[Page H2923]]

part of a network of locally organized groups that strive to improve 
the health and safety of our communities.
  In Livingston County, our reserve corps is composed of 194 members, 
with an extra 80 volunteers, dedicating their time at the clinic. These 
folks are registered nurses, pharmacists, physician's assistants, nurse 
practitioners, paramedics, licensed professional nurses, EMTs, 
firefighters, veterinarians, chiropractors, social workers, teachers, 
public health professionals, and others with nonmedical backgrounds.
  They come from all walks of life, but they are motivated to their 
cause, which is a healthier Livingston County. And their work during 
the pandemic is nothing short of heroic. They helped with mask 
packaging and distribution, staffing a COVID hotline, contact tracing, 
and vaccine support. Without the reserve corps, the county would not 
have been able to respond as effectively.
  Since the beginning of last year, temporary staff have logged almost 
7,000 hours on duty, with volunteers adding another 5,000 hours. These 
hours represent shots in arms, questions answered, fears put at ease, 
and more.
  When our people need it the most, the Medical Reserve Corps stepped 
up. Their training designed for full-scale emergencies meant the 
difference when Livingston County was tested like never before.
  I am so grateful for each and every member who has proudly worn the 
yellow vest of the Medical Reserve Corps.
  Mr. Speaker, I especially want to recognize Jennifer Kramer, the 
Medical Reserve Corps coordinator, who has certainly personally put in 
incredibly long hours in service to others.
  With their motto of Partner, Provide, Prepare, and Protect, the 
Medical Reserve Corps makes the extraordinary seem ordinary. I have 
seen them in action myself when I visited a vaccination clinic in 
January. They are organized, efficient, and wholly devoted to the 
cause.
  It is my great honor to speak these words into the official Record so 
that future generations can read about these heroes who were there when 
we needed them most.


                Recognizing Cristo Rey Community Center

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cristo Rey 
Community Center, a nonprofit organization that has been meeting the 
needs of the Lansing community since 1968.
  As a comprehensive, basic-needs service center, Cristo Rey is an 
invaluable source for residents, no matter their station in life. The 
center's health clinic serves the uninsured and underinsured while 
offering counseling to those struggling with substance abuse and 
addiction. Their financial counselors help folks develop healthy 
spending and saving habits, and their community kitchen serves free hot 
breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday.
  In 2018 alone, Cristo Rey served over 56,000 members of their 
community. They distributed over 357,000 pounds of food, and provided 
more than 21,000 meals to the hungry. Their family health center cared 
for nearly 2,800 unique patients, empowered 1,500 individuals to manage 
their finances, and helped families save over $700,000 in prescription 
drug costs.

                              {time}  1330

  In addition to these programs, Cristo Rey served as an essential 
warming center during harsh winters and as a cooling center during 
sweltering summers for the roughly 5,000 individuals who are homeless 
in the Lansing area.
  Every day, Cristo Rey staff live up to their motto: ``Serving 
individuals, serving families, serving communities. Always with 
compassion. Always with respect.''
  Wherever there is a need, whether it is a basic need, a spiritual 
need, or a societal need, Cristo Rey is there. Yes, they offer support 
and care, but they also focus on self-sufficiency and honoring the 
dignity of every person who walks through their doors.
  For the poor and vulnerable, immigrants and migrants, and all people 
in need, regardless of language or culture, Cristo Rey is instrumental 
in the work to break the cycle of poverty and lift the community up. As 
a trusted organization, they are crucial to building bridges between 
different parts of the city.
  In 2019, during the search for a new police chief, Cristo Rey hosted 
the first community meet-and-greet for Daryl Green, who became 
Lansing's chief of police. When our community was rocked by COVID, 
Cristo Rey was one of the first to retool its programs and offerings in 
order to start adapting to changing times.
  These days, with a grant from the Dart Foundation, the center has 
been able to offer vaccinations to residents, particularly in 
underserved and hard-to-reach communities, which is essential for 
bringing down the rates of infection and reopening Michigan's economy.
  For their 50 years of service to Lansing, it is my great honor to 
recognize the men and women who truly do God's work at Cristo Rey 
Community Center. May they continue to live out their mission for the 
next 50 years and for as long as these words remain in the Record of 
the people's House.


                           Recognizing LACASA

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize LACASA, a 
nonprofit in my community that has stood out as a beacon of hope for 
thousands of vulnerable women and children in mid-Michigan.
  In 1979, LACASA was founded as the Livingston Area Council Against 
Spousal Abuse. With just $40 in donations and a part-time director at a 
desk in a borrowed office space, the organization first relied entirely 
on volunteers, selfless local residents who opened up their own homes 
so that survivors of domestic violence could find refuge.
  Later on, as it grew, LACASA was able to rent, then buy, and finally 
expand to a permanent shelter where women and children can access 
counseling services, legal advocacy, and wraparound support.
  In addition to sanctuary, LACASA offers 24-hour crisis response with 
trained staff who are able to intake and serve the diverse needs of 
survivors of child abuse, domestic abuse, and sexual assault. For so 
many in our community, the folks at LACASA are directly responsible for 
giving them the tools and strength to begin the road toward a better 
future.
  However, pandemics don't stop abusers. In fact, when outside 
stressors occur, abuse historically tends to escalate. So when shelter-
in-place orders took effect last year, closing LACASA and its around-
the-clock facility was not an option. Record numbers of victims seeking 
help and refuge contacted them, and their ability to adapt is nothing 
short of heroic.
  In 2020 alone, LACASA provided 1,170 overnight stays in hotel rooms 
and over 3,500 off-site meals for victims and their families. They 
expanded capacity to handle a 230-percent increase in child forensic 
interviews.
  LACASA saw the number of calls to their 24/7 helpline nearly double 
when the number of individuals seeking personal protection orders more 
than tripled compared to an average year.
  Mr. Speaker, I have had the chance to personally visit LACASA, 
touring their shelter and working with their president, CEO, and 
badass, Bobette Schrandt, on several occasions. I am so thankful for 
her leadership and for the entire organization's tireless support and 
work to provide a port in the storm for local residents.
  They are a model for similar nonprofits, earning national 
accreditation from the National Children's Alliance as a children's 
advocacy center just last week. Bobette told me herself. It is their 
highest level of membership, an honor that says everything about 
LACASA's dedication to addressing childhood abuse in southeast 
Michigan.
  Today, I am proud to lift up their trauma-informed procedures and 
practices as a shining beacon of hope in Michigan's Eighth District.
  On behalf of a grateful community, thank you for the work that you 
do, and may you continue to lead the way.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________