[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 1, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E195-E196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING MICHAEL HARDAT AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2022

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing Michael Hardat, a financial 
coach and youth advocate at the Financial Empowerment Center's Evelyn 
K. Davis Center for Working Families, as Iowan of the Week.
  Michael is a Lifelong resident of the Des Moines metro area and a 
recent Iowa State University graduate. From a young age, Michael 
recognized that he and his family lacked the financial resources that 
others had. As a result, Michael began going to the Children and Family 
Urban Movement's programs. These programs made all the difference for 
Michael and helped him embrace the spirit of community support and 
betterment. Knowing he wanted to give back to the community, Michael 
began working with the Financial Empowerment Center. In his role, he 
has a direct hand in helping families make informed financial decisions 
and plan for a brighter future. During the pandemic when many families 
faced even greater struggles, he spoke out about how Iowans receiving 
the Child Tax Credit could most effectively use those funds to create 
positive outcomes.

[[Page E196]]

  Michael has been with the Financial Empowerment Center at Evelyn K. 
Davis since 2018. The organization helps connect people to career goals 
as well as achieve financial stability through job development, career 
coaching, workforce training, and financial education. Many of these 
free services have made all the difference for our neighbors in Des 
Moines. Michael is also still active with the Children and Family Urban 
Movement (CFUM) as an adult advocate. The non-profit strives to support 
the potential of Des Moines youth and families through educational 
success, healthy Living, and community engagement. Michael firmly 
believes in CFUM's ability to lift up the community. He began publicly 
advocating for the program when he was still in high school and remains 
passionate about how individuals can come together to help one another, 
regardless of where they come from.
  As we celebrate Black History Month, it is my honor to recognize 
Michael Hardat for the amazing work he is doing for families in greater 
Des Moines. Michael's selfless approach and dedication to helping 
others succeed are some of the many reasons he is a shining example of 
what it means to be an Iowan and a good neighbor. I will continue to 
fight in Congress to ensure every American has access to quality 
financial education and quality community programs. It is my pleasure 
to name Mr. Hardat Iowan of the Week.

                          ____________________