[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 196 (Tuesday, November 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1219-E1220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MANUELA RENDON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 9, 2021

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Manuela Rendon, a dedicated 
leader in South Texas who has given 50 years of service to Head Start 
programs and has made a lasting impact on thousands of children and 
families in our community.
  Ms. Rendon's advocacy journey began in 1971 during her time as a 
teacher at Bonita Park Head Start program in Harlingen, Texas. During 
her first year as an educator, she developed a passion for Head Start 
and committed herself to helping underserved families. Ms. Rendon was 
quickly promoted to center manager, where her vision was to enhance 
early childhood development, empower parents and families, and advocate 
for the less fortunate.
  After six years at Bonita Park Head Start, Ms. Rendon was invited to 
lead the Head

[[Page E1220]]

Start initiative for Cameron and Willacy Counties Community Projects 
(CWCCP). There, she continued her work on behalf of South Texas youth 
and families, and collaborated with the Policy Council, Board of 
Directors, and other staff members to carry out the Head Start mission. 
With the belief that there is strength in numbers, Ms. Rendon made the 
pivotal decision to work with community leaders to create a network of 
support for children and families.
  As CWCCP's Head Start Director, Ms. Rendon became dissatisfied by the 
lack of resources available to Head Start parents. Ms. Rendon faced 
this challenge with purpose and determination; and worked to reform the 
program and champion a new initiative. In 1989, with the support of 
Head Start parents and other community leaders, Ms. Rendon established 
the non-profit organization Neighbors In Need of Services, Inc. 
(NINOS). The purpose of NINOS was to advocate for the Head Start 
program in Cameron and Willacy counties, and it quickly succeeded.
  NINOS was awarded a Head Start grant in 1990 and has continued to 
successfully secure funding for programming to support local families. 
The program, which initially served a few hundred children, now serves 
over 2,400 Head Start and Early Head Start families; and provides a 
wide range of services including health and nutritional assessments, 
medical and dental follow-ups, individualized ``school readiness,'' 
nutritional meals and snacks, and pre- and post-natal education for 
pregnant women.
  Ms. Rendon is the driving force behind the success of NINOS--she has 
created a quality program that is nationally recognized by the Head 
Start community by focusing not only on early childhood education, but 
also on parent involvement. She has even provided parents with 
opportunities to travel and advocate for Head Start in Texas and across 
the country.
  Ms. Rendon's commitment to Texas families began with Head Start in 
Harlingen, but her influence goes far beyond that. She has served on 
and chaired many boards and committees including the Region VI Head 
Start Association, Texas Head Start Association Board of Directors, 
Texas Department of Human Services Licensing Advisory Council, State 
Colonias Advisory Committee, and Texas Southmost College Early 
Childhood Advisory Council.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Manuela 
Rendon, who after 50 years of service continues to be a voice for those 
in need, and whose dedication to bettering the lives of children 
strengthens the health and prosperity of South Texas families.

                          ____________________