[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25732]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     TRIBUTE TO ORANGE COUNTY WORKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 18, 1999

  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Orange County Works, an 
outstanding program in Orange County, CA that provides vital assistance 
to foster care children. For over 9 years, Orange County Works job 
readiness workshops have given foster children the opportunity to learn 
from successful, high-profile business leaders, ensuring youths leaving 
the foster care system at age 18 will design career paths for 
themselves to self-sufficiency and success. Orange County Works will 
provide job readiness training to 400 youths in 1999 alone.
  Recently, Orange County Works was honored by being named as a partner 
in the BridgeGate 20 Initiative. This Initiative, sponsored by 
BridgeGate LLC, the executive recruitment firm, recognizes leaders in 
the Southern California information technology business community who 
have demonstrated a commitment to building employee knowledge in order 
to improve company performance. The BridgeGate 20 Initiative will 
assist Orange County Works to create employment opportunities for still 
more foster care children.
  Orange County Works President and Founder, Don Mac Allister, once a 
foster child himself, was motivated to create a program that makes a 
real difference in helping foster children stay off the streets. He 
demands success from each foster child that is part of his program. Don 
Mac Allister's passion and determination to improve the foster care 
system in Orange County inspires community leaders to get involved.
  Orange County Works is a true star in the Orange County community 
service world. It has impacted a wide range of people and its continued 
growth will ensure that in the future it will make dramatic changes in 
the lives of children now leaving the county's foster care system. I'm 
proud of the accomplishments of Orange County Works, and look forward 
to its continued success as more people discover the wonderful results 
from this fine program.

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