[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 5150] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING TERRI CRUZ AND HER MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF ARIZONA ______ HON. ED PASTOR of arizona in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 18, 2012 Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many achievements of Ms. Terri Cruz, my friend and a matriarch of the Hispanic community in Phoenix, who has advocated for the social well-being of thousands of Arizonans throughout her lifetime. On March 28, 2012, Terri was recognized with an Arizona Latina Trailblazer Award presented by Phoenix College Raul H. Castro Institute and Latino Perspectives Magazine. Such an event provided the opportunity to reflect on her many contributions to the Latino community in Phoenix and Arizona. More than 43 years ago, I met Ms. Cruz while she was working with the Migrant Opportunities Program and SER Jobs for Progress, two very important programs in our community. At the same time, Ms. Cruz was also serving as one of the founding board members of Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., a nonprofit agency based in Phoenix. Today that agency provides social services, education, economic development, and housing programs throughout Arizona. Terri's known trait of serving with compassion, professionalism, and dignity is apparent in all areas of CPLC's work. For the past 20 plus years, Terri has worked as a social service provider with CPLC, the organization she helped start. Her small frame and friendly disposition is no match for her powerful advocacy skills, which has undoubtedly allowed her to effectively represent and advance the needs of countless Arizonans. In tribute, CPLC named one of its buildings for Ms. Cruz, and in 2008, she was quoted in The Arizona Republic as saying, ``I learned that people are what's important. If people need help, you help them. If you have, you share.'' As a child of the depression era, who lost both parents by the time she was six, Terri understood the value of hard work and the importance of caring for others. When she was old enough, she began working at a laundry, married at the age of 15, and became a mother to eight children. Terri assumed the challenge of being a single parent, while simultaneously beginning her work as an advocate for our community, and the issues most important to us. Despite her limited education, Terri's ``can do'' attitude led her to eventually pursue career opportunities as an office assistant, job developer, and a personnel manager. Ms. Cruz has also encouraged civic participation and over the past two decades has been one of our most reliable volunteers at my annual Citizenship Day event, where she assists citizenship candidates in preparing their application packets. Additionally, Ms. Cruz's leadership skills has benefited the many boards and commissions on which she has served. In 1985, she was appointed by former Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt to the Nursing Care Institution Administrators Board, while concurrently serving as the National Chairman of the Hispanic Senior Citizen Foundation Board. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Ms. Terri Cruz and her continued commitment and service to the people of Arizona. ____________________