[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2707]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  IN HONOR OF PROCEED'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY AND MS. HAYDEE LOPEZ FOR 25 
             YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 13, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize PROCEED on its 
30th Anniversary and Ms. Haydee Lopez on her retirement after twenty-
five years of service and commitment to the organization.
  Based in Elizabeth, New Jersey, PROCEED has assisted the 
underprivileged in the City of Elizabeth and Union County through 
comprehensive programs since 1970. As the organization prepares to 
celebrate this milestone, it is also honoring the accomplishments and 
dedication of Ms. Haydee Lopez, a woman who defines the vision and the 
promise of the organization.
  Joining PROCEED in 1975, Ms. Lopez served as both the force and the 
heart behind the organization. Described as a leader, an optimist, and 
a believer, Ms. Lopez always set the standard at PROCEED, never 
hesitating to purchase supplies or necessities for clients with her own 
resources, or to work for ``gratis'' when the budget faced a financial 
crisis.
  Ms. Lopez has served the Hispanic community, the constituents of 
PROCEED, and her fellow workers with pride, devotion, and 
professionalism. Whether acting in her capacity as Executive Secretary, 
Acting Executive Director, or Financial Officer, Ms. Lopez always made 
those around her feel that they were valued.
  Ms. Lopez is happily married and the mother of two children and four 
grandchildren. She was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and moved to 
Elizabeth in 1970.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating PROCEED on its 30th 
anniversary and to thank Ms. Haydee Lopez for her unyielding dedication 
to the Elizabeth community. All of your efforts on behalf of PROCEED 
are truly remarkable and I wish you a happy retirement.

                          ____________________