[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5834]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 HONORING WILLIAM C. ``BILL'' COLEMAN IN RECEIVING THE J. ROBERT LADD 
     COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD AND THE 2000 SERVICE TO MANKIND AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize William C. Coleman in 
receiving the J. Robert Ladd Community Service Award and the Service to 
Mankind Award from the Lebanon Valley, Sertoma Club.
  Bill has made an incredible difference in the community of Lebanon, 
Pennsylvania. He has been a regular volunteer at the Lebanon Rescue 
Mission since 1947. He has served on the board of directors, taught 
Sunday School and has presided as the executive director of the Rescue 
Mission. Bill has dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate. 
His generosity, kindness and love has earned him the respect of his 
community, family and friends.
  Bill's relationship with the Lebanon Rescue Mission began when, at 
the tender age of 19, he felt something was missing in his life. During 
this time period he was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. 
Looking for guidance, he felt compelled to visit the Mission. Bill went 
there with his mother and they met with Reverend Miller. Reverend 
Miller talked with Bill and read from the Bible. That night, Bill's 
life changed. He gave up drinking, gambling, smoking and, as Bill puts 
it, his vocabulary lost a lot of unnecessary words. Later, when the 
doctor who had previously diagnosed Bill with the life-threatening 
illness examined him again, he found Bill to be a perfect picture of 
health.
  Bill started his career at a young age as a stock clerk at Pomeroy's, 
and moved onto Hershey's Chocolate and the Lebanon Paper Box Company. 
Bill continued to work hard and eventually landed a job at Winston 
Prints. He worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming 
supervisor, and later the number three man in the company. While Bill 
worked at Winston Prints his relationship with the Lebanon Rescue 
Mission also flourished. He was a dedicated and valued volunteer, 
spending many hours helping those in dire need. He became a Sunday 
School teacher, superintendent and secretary to the board of directors. 
In 1984, after 14 years with Winston Prints, Bill resigned to become 
the full-time executive director of the Lebanon Rescue Mission.
  Bill has been instrumental in many changes that have taken place at 
the mission since 1984. The first significant change occurred in 1985 
when plans were announced to build The Agape Family Shelter for 
homeless women and children. It was a huge undertaking that included 
raising nearly $400,000 to be used in refurbishing the 115-year-old 
Dehuff Mansion, making it livable for up to eighteen women and 
children. The shelter continues to provide a friendly, socialable and 
safe place for those who find themselves not only homeless, but with a 
feeling of hopelessness. The Agape Family Shelter provides women with 
love, attention, and care they drastically require. The shelter also 
promotes a special program which teaches battered women how to set 
goals and implement them into their daily lives.
  Bill has also helped implement a program to help men who battle with 
problems with drugs and alcohol. In addition, Bill hosted a popular 
hour-long radio broadcast every Sunday morning for those who were 
seeking spiritual up-lifting. He served as the Chaplain for the Lebanon 
County Fire Police and has been an outspoken advocate for the people of 
Lebanon County.
  Mr. Speaker, again I want to congratulate Bill Coleman in receiving 
the J. Robert Ladd Community Service Award and the Service to Mankind 
Award. Through his consistent and unselfish efforts, the community of 
Lebanon is a richer place for all those who reside there. Thank you 
Bill for your service to the men, women and children of Lebanon.

                          ____________________