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Congressional
Record
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 103d
CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol.139 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY
3. 1993
TRIBUTE TO PROJECT PPEP FOR 25 YEARS
OF DEDICATED SERVICE
* Mr. McCain Mr. President, every day we are constantly
reminded of the human injustices, poverty and social
division that plague our world. However, today I am
privileged and honored to share with my colleagues some
brief words about an organization that has worked tirelessly
to improve the lives of the rural poor in the Southwest.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and commendations
to the Portable Practical Educational Preparation, Inc.
(PPEP) of Tucson, AZ. as they celebrate their 25th year
of service.
Twenty-five years ago, a man named John Arnold converted
his 1957 Chevrolet schoolbus into a traveling classroom
for rural Arizonans. He compassionately spent his time
teaching migrant workers English as a second language
and the value of learning vocational and technical skills.
This was only the beginning of what is now known as
PPEP.
Twenty-five years later, PPEP, a multifunded and nonprofit
corporation, continues to provide a multitude of social
services for our disadvantaged population. Some examples
of these vital services include: affordable housing
for migrant workers, necessary sewers and street enhancement,
day-care sites, senior nutrition and recreation centers.
The list of good works accomplished by PPEP on a daily
basis is lengthy and impressive. Most importantly, PPEP
has made it possible for rural families to experience
the dignity they so undoubtedly deserve.
The success stories of these migrant families are a
testimony to the American dream. Organizations like
PPEP prove that many of our underprivileged citizens
are receptive to learning and eager to better their
own lives, if we are willing to listen and lend a helping
hand.
It is extremely important that we continue to support
such organizations as PPEP. The committed staff and
volunteers of PPEP understand that investment and involvement
in grassroots level programs better our communities
and our country as a whole.
Ultimately much of our future depends on programs such
as PPEP. The staff at PPEP has encouraged many disadvantaged
citizens to utilize the advantage of technical skills
and computer literacy. With these skills. People are
capable of shifting from welfare to productive lives
in the job market.
We cannot afford to do without organizations and people
such as PPEP. It gives me great pleasure to extend my
best wishes to John Arnold and his colleagues at PPEP
upon their 25th anniversary of service. I hope they
have many more years ahead.
John McCain
U.S. Senator - Arizona
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