[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 146 (Thursday, September 19, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E928-E929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF READING AND BEYOND

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2024

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today, we gather to commemorate a remarkable 
milestone in the field of children's education and economic empowerment 
for families--the 25th Anniversary of Reading and Beyond (RAB). This 
historic occasion is a testament to the enduring legacy and unwavering 
commitment of RAB to improving literacy and success for children and 
empowering families across California.
  Founded in 1999, RAB was started by members of the First Covenant 
Church bringing together community leaders to find a solution for 
children that were struggling to read in the neighborhood. Since then, 
RAB has been a leader for families in the San Joaquin Valley, providing 
educational and wellness opportunities that have been carried on 
through generations.
  In 2003, RAB was selected by the U.S. Department of Education in a 
competitive process to receive national funding. Through this, they 
were able to develop their Early Childhood Education program into a 
model that other organizations could replicate. Within the same year, 
the Fresno Unified School District also honored RAB as a ``model for 
other organizations.'' In 2008, RAB was recognized by Kern Briggs, the 
Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Elementary and 
Secondary Education, as a ``remarkable example of the impact that 
faith-based organizations have in a community.'' In 2014, RAB was 
chosen as one of only ten national projects to receive funding from the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture for their Fresno Bridge Academy program, 
for which they were awarded $12 million to achieve their goal of 
lifting families out of poverty through educational services.
  The RAB mission is both clear and commendable: to empower children 
and families to achieve productive, self-reliant lives through its 
holistic, research, and results-based programs with the end goal of 
helping children succeed. Through this two-generation approach, RAB has 
been able to create a lasting effect on families that is passed down 
generationally. As a result of their commitment to this mission, RAB 
has grown from what started out as a community effort to help children 
in Fresno's neighborhoods improve their reading into the pillar of 
children's and family wellness and empowerment throughout the San 
Joaquin Valley that it is today. Beyond preschool and early childhood 
education, their services now include youth prevention and intervention 
programs, parent engagement and family strengthening programs, health 
and wellness education, training programs and workforce development for 
adults, and college preparation for students.
  As Reading and Beyond reaches their 25th Anniversary, we must 
recognize and celebrate this momentous occasion. It represents a 
quarter of a century of dedication, commitment, and service to the 
families and communities of the San Joaquin Valley. Their work has 
impacted not only the individual children and families, but also the 
overall well-being of the Valley.

[[Page E929]]

  Mr. Speaker, I invite my esteemed colleagues to join me in honoring 
the 25th Anniversary of Reading and Beyond. Let us celebrate their 
legacy and their ongoing commitment to advancing educational, health 
and wellness opportunities to underserved families and children.

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