In Recognition of Raymond Figueroa

IN RECOGNITION OF RAYMOND FIGUEROA -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 18, 2004)

HON. NYDIA M. VELÁZQUEZ
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2004

Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the achievements of Raymond Figueroa, an inspiration, and the executive director of Turning Point/Discipleship Outreach Ministries located in Brooklyn, New York.

Raymond has been instrumental in the success of this organization, which provides housing, educational opportunity, substance abuse treatment and AIDS programs to some of Brooklyn's most underprivileged neighborhoods. The program reaches over 2,000 residents a year and reaches 20,000 more through outreach initiatives.

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Figueroa's dedication and work has been recognized by the Robert Wood Johnson
Community Health Leadership program, as they have chosen him as one of their 10 annual recipients. Raymond has overcome many challenges to get where he is today-he was born into poverty, and grew up with a troubled childhood. Yet, his commitment to bettering our community is unwavering, and although he did not graduate from high school or receive a formal education, Mr. Figueroa is living proof that one can rise above the circumstances to achieve their goals.

Over the course of his life, Raymond has lost friends and family to violence, addiction, and AIDS. He watched his sister as she endured the stigma of living with AIDS and was victimized by a hospital staff that refused to touch her, despite her absence of tuberculosis or skin abrasions. The reality of his sister's dehumanization strengthened his drive to work in social justice.

Starting as a volunteer at the Turning Point/Discipleship Outreach Ministries in 1990, Raymond moved to a leadership position 12 years later as the only second executive director. He is truly an inspiration to his community, and reminds us that we can overcome barriers.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Raymond Figueroa, and join with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to recognize his extraordinary work in the Brooklyn community.