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Congressional
Record
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES
OF THE 105 CONGRESS
Washington, Thursday, March 12, 1998
TRIBUTE TO PROJECT PPEP FOR 30 YEARS
OF DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE
* Mr. McCain. Mr. President, I rise today to extend
my sincere gratitude and commendations to Portable Practical
Educational Preparation, Inc. (PPEP) for their tireless
efforts to improve the lives of needy citizens in the
Southwest.
Last October, PPEP, which operates out of Tucson, Arizona,
celebrated 30 years of service to this community. At
that time, in recognition of the success of their small
business loan program, PPEP and Pima County were selected
to received an "Award of Excellence for Economic
Development" by the National Association for County
Community and Economic Development.
Thirty years ago, a man named John Arnold converted
his 1957 Chevrolet schoolbus into a traveling classroom
for rural Arizonans. He spent his time teaching migrant
workers English as a second language and the value of
learning vocational and technical skills. This was the
beginning of what is now known as PPEP.
Today, PPEP is a nonprofit organization with an annual
operating budget of $11 million. It employs more than
300 people and has developed numerous programs that
have become national self-help models.
PPEP provides a multitude of social services for disadvantaged
Americans. Some examples of these vital services include:
affordable housing for migrant workers,
necessary sewer ad street enhancements, day care sites,
senior nutrition and recreation centers, and public
charter schools. The list of good works accomplished
by PPEP on a dally basis is lengthy and impressive.
Most important, PPEP has made it possible for rural
families to experience the dignity they deserve.
As we continue to reform federal assistance programs
to encourage self sufficiency, we must recognize the
importance of organizations such as PPEP in providing
voluntary community support to needy Americans. The
committed staff and volunteers of PPEP have encouraged
and enabled many disadvantaged citizens to gain the
technical skills and computer literacy which will allow
them to move from welfare to more productive lives in
the job market. PPEP's services are needed now more
than ever, as they provide a bridge for farmworkers,
rural poor, and other disadvantaged individuals.
After 30 years of outstanding and enduring accomplishments,
I anticipate an even more aggressive and productive
effort by PPEP to assist our communities and our country
as we enter the 21st century. I extend my best wishes
to John Arnold and his colleagues at PPEP and my thanks
for their continuing endeavors.
*For further information on Project PPEP consult their
Internet address: ppepruralinst.org
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