[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 90 (Friday, May 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HEART, LOVE & SOUL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 26, 2023

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize 
the 40th Anniversary of an indispensable non-profit in our Niagara 
Falls community, Heart, Love & Soul. Since 1983, this organization has 
tended to those struggling with poverty in the north end of Niagara 
Falls. As a hunger-relief and social care agency, the dedicated members 
of this group give needed attention to every part of those who need it 
most.
  At its most fundamental level, Heart, Love & Soul has provided the 
community with wide-reaching food assistance programs and human 
services at no cost. This includes meals, groceries, case management, 
showers, laundry facilities, and haircuts. It began on March 14, 1982 
when members of a prayer group gathered at the former Sacred Heart 
Roman Catholic Church on South Avenue. They discussed what they could 
do to help residents who were struggling with food insecurity. Led by a 
church parishioner, John Porecca, the members of this group decided to 
pursue an entire organization dedicated to serving those in need. After 
settling on a name and filing the papers to be incorporated, they began 
operations out of a former grocery store on Pierce Avenue. With 
financial help from Savino Nanula, they later purchased the building, 
which served as Heart, Love & Soul's first food pantry.
  The key element to Heart, Love & Soul's achievements throughout the 
last four decades has been its consistency in finding conscientious and 
diligent staff and volunteers. The men and women who run this 
organization are not only adept at helping people in need, but also 
recognize the value in raising funds to ensure their longevity. With 
twenty staff members and many more volunteers, every day is a new day 
to help a neighbor. And for forty years, every day has been a 
resounding success. Heart, Love & Soul represents the very best of what 
dedicated citizens can do for their community, and I know all Western 
New Yorkers are looking forward to their continued prosperity.

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