[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12070]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING MS. DELORES A. HOLMES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2002

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and congratulate 
Ms. Delores A. Holmes upon her retirement as Director of Family Focus 
in Evanston, Illinois. Through her lifelong journey of service in 
Evanston, Delores has proven to be a true community hero.
  For more than 26 years, Delores has reached out with persistence and 
optimism to promote healthy child development through family support. 
From her work with teenage parents, to engaging students through after-
school programs, to providing important childcare and early learning 
opportunities for infants and toddlers, she has sought out and served 
those most in need. What Delores Holmes does best is teach people to 
see the greatness in themselves and in their community. She provides 
them with the tools they need to achieve their fullest potential.
  Delores' dedication, selflessness, and insight have inspired and 
motivated citizens from all economic levels and from all walks of life. 
Her passionate fight to improve our community and empower our 
neighborhoods have earned her many awards and countless tributes from 
all around the nation, including recognition from the National Head 
Start Parent Association, the NAACP Community Work Award, and Parent 
Magazine's As They Grow Award.
  Delores' perseverance and desire to get the most out of life and to 
improve the lives of others is evident in her own story. After marrying 
and having two children, Delores went back to school to earn a 
bachelor's degree from Northeastern Illinois University, and then ten 
years later, a Master's degree in education from the National College 
of Education in Evanston, IL. She went on to donate her time to 
numerous organizations and committees, and has served on the Board of 
Directors of the National Organization of Adolescent Pregnancy and 
Parenting, the Northern Cook County Private Industry Council, and the 
Evanston Chamber of Commerce.
  On behalf of the community to which she has given so much, I thank 
Delores for her outstanding commitment and dedication. Her legacy of 
service will always be remembered and appreciated. I wish her health 
and happiness in her retirement.

                          ____________________