Supporting Efforts Promoting Greater Public Awareness Of Effective Runaway Youth Prevention Programs
SUPPORTING EFFORTS PROMOTING GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF EFFECTIVE RUNAWAY YOUTH PREVENTION PROGRAMS -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 28, 2006)
SPEECH OF HON. PETE SESSIONS OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2006
* Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, as Congress considers H. Res. 1009 this week, I would like to highlight the outstanding efforts of an organization in my district, Promise House of Dallas. Since 1984, Promise House has served as a pillar of the Dallas community through its mission to serve the needs of runaway and homeless youth throughout our community.
* Promise House was originally established by Lovers Lane United Methodist Church to provide a 16 bed emergency shelter for teenagers. Today, this program provides over eight large programs for runaway, homeless, and at-risk students, and is supported by numerous churches, businesses, and individuals. At-risk youth and their families may access services ranging from food and clothing to counseling, education, transitional living arrangements, and parenting services. With communal support, the Promise House staff works endlessly to offer hope to youth and families in crisis.
* Promise House has helped countless youths pursue their hopes and dreams. When he entered Promise House, Justin was a 17-year-old young man who was physically and emotionally abused by his father. Between the abuse and family disarray, Justin turned to aggressive behavior and heavy drug usage. In a courageous and lifesaving decision, Justin came to Promise House for help. Promise House provided Justin with a safe environment and a variety of services, including shelter, counseling, intensive case management and life skills therapy. Through the support of Promise House, Justin turned his life around. Justin continued therapy services even after leaving Promise House and successfully graduated from high school. Today, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to say that Justin is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas and a recipient of the Blake Davis Memorial Scholarship--established by Promise House to promote opportunities for higher education and a better life.
* Justin's story serves as an example of how Promise House provides youths with a safe haven to help meet their life goals. I am proud of Promise House's selfless efforts in reaching out with open arms to the needs of the children and teenagers in the north Texas area.
http://thomas.loc.gov/