[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20052]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RESOURCE CENTER OF DALLAS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, this September 
marks the 25th anniversary of the Resource Center of Dallas, a long 
standing institution in the 30th Congressional District of Texas. The 
center's parent organization--the Dallas Gay Political Caucus, later 
known as the Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance--incorporated what was 
then called the Foundation for Human Understanding in 1983.
  In 1988, the center established the Nelson-Tebedo Clinic for 
treatment, clinical drug trials and HIV testing. Today, the renamed 
Nelson-Tebedo Health Resource Center also offers HIV dental, STD 
testing and treatment, medical case management, insurance assistance, 
prevention and transgender health services. Nutritional services are 
available as well as hot lunches.
  To recognize the history of and the struggle for GLBT rights in 
Dallas, the Phil Johnson Historic Archives and Research Library was 
established at the Community Center in 1994. The Library also operates 
a 24-hour information helpline, which first started in 1985.
  In 1998, the Foundation for Human Understanding changed its name to 
the Resource Center of Dallas. It operates the John Thomas Gay and 
Lesbian Community Center, named after the founding executive director, 
and the Nelson-Tebedo Health Resource Center. Through its health and 
medical services, the center is a leader in HIV/AIDS education, 
prevention and services, and provides a full spectrum of STD prevention 
education, screenings and treatments.
  More than 1,100 volunteers and a paid staff of 44 make the Resource 
Center of Dallas one of the largest centers of its kind in the United 
States. More than 50,000 people each year use the Resource Center 
through its programs and services. From its roots as an advocacy group 
for civil rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, 
the center continues its dual mission: to develop programs and offer 
services for the GLBT community, as well as individuals and families 
affected by HIV and AIDS.

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