Recognizing the Accomplishments of Lloyd Lewis
Floor Speech
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Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I, along with Representative Diana DeGette, rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Lloyd Lewis and congratulate him on receiving the World Citizenship Award from Civitan International for his nearly two decades of tireless advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lloyd made the transition to advocacy following the birth of his son, Kennedy, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. This diagnosis led Lloyd to leave a successful career in finance to begin his journey as CEO of Arc Thrift Stores of Colorado--an organization that supports advocacy services for Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities since its founding in 1968.
Under Lloyd's extraordinary leadership, Arc has become one of Colorado's largest employers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through their Ambassador program--which Lloyd created. The Ambassador program provides employment with full pay and benefits to individuals with disabilities, in addition to free social, educational, and professional development support.
The impactful work by Lloyd and Arc doesn't stop there. Arc has donated money, supplies, and vouchers to several non-profits throughout Colorado when the need arises. In recent years, Arc has donated to the Boulder Marshall Fire Relief, COVID relief, and to Ukrainian refugees.
With this award, Lloyd joins the ranks of distinguished recipients such as former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Sir Winston Churchill. The World Citizenship Award is not given out annually, rather presented based on merit to those who have made a significant difference to mankind.
Lloyd is a shining example for how we should all strive to live our lives--as passionate, dedicated advocates for the diversity and inclusion of all people. There is no doubt our community is a better place because of Lloyd's leadership at Arc. We congratulate him on receiving this award and thank him for his tireless work advocating for vulnerable communities in Colorado.
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