[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 149 (Thursday, September 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF PROTEUS, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CONNIE CONWAY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2022

  Ms. CONWAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Proteus, Inc. 
for its 55 years of service in California's San Joaquin Valley.
  Proteus was established in 1967 through the Tulare County Community 
Action Agency. It began as an adult basic education class for low-
income residents held in a basement in Visalia, California. Within a 
year, over 2,000 students were enrolled in its classes, allowing 
Proteus to incorporate in 1972. Expanding rapidly, Proteus created 
numerous employment and vocational programs while moving into Kings, 
Fresno, Kern, and Los Angeles Counties. It opened skilled training 
centers in all 5 counties, which helped farmworkers transition into 
vocational careers.
  In the 1980s and 1990s, Proteus adapted its services to the 
diversifying needs of the San Joaquin Valley. It provided job training 
to refugees, high school dropouts, and women outside the workforce. 
Family services were emphasized with the building of community centers. 
Proteus also led relief efforts for farmworkers and communities 
affected by environmental disasters. The agency celebrated the onset of 
the 21st Century with a milestone accomplishment: becoming an 
accredited educational training institution.
  Today, Proteus continues to address the most pressing contemporary 
challenges. For example, responding to the energy crisis, Proteus 
created energy-saving programs for communities in need while building 
strong partnerships with local utility companies. After 55 years of 
operation, Proteus has earned its reputation as a nationally recognized 
full-service agency. In recognition of its outstanding work, the agency 
has won numerous awards including from the California Awards for 
Performance Excellence program.
  Today, Proteus operates approximately 50 programs for people of all 
ages and backgrounds. Its work includes emergency supportive services, 
energy conservation, foster family services, prevention services, 
pesticide safety training, and career and technical education classes. 
Even with the diversification of its services, however, Proteus remains 
firmly rooted in its core mission: ``to provide education, workplace 
training, job placement, and other support services to farm working 
families and diverse program participants to empower them to achieve 
self-sufficiency''.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in commending Proteus, Inc. for 55 years of 
service in the San Joaquin Valley and for many more decades of growth 
and success to come.

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