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“IN HONOR OF LEE MATHEWS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2896 on Dec. 7, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF LEE MATHEWS
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HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Monday, December 7, 2009
Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of Mr. Lee Mathews, the Director of Edison Job Corps Academy in Edison New Jersey, who passed away November 29, 2009 at the age of 57. Mr. Mathews served as an anti-drug advocate and spokesman for youth issues in his position as Director of Edison Job Corps Academy, and previously in his position as Director of the South Bronx Job Corps Center. Both institutions were nationally recognized, and Mr. Mathews had himself been recognized with the National Award for being involved with the most innovative Job Corps Program in his last 3 years with Edison Job Corps.
When ResCare took control of the Edison Job Corps Center in November 1995, the center was rated 100 out of 109 and had an exceedingly poor image in the community. Mr. Mathews was able to improve the performance of the center to over 110 percent of the Department of Labor standard. Under the helm of Mr. Mathews, the program rose to prominence, ranking 21st out of 123 in the country.
By establishing relationships with companies like Aamco Transmission, Roto Rooter, and AT&T, Mr. Mathews revolutionized Edison Job Corps Academy's vocational training and made it into a model program that Job Corps programs nationwide are seeking to imitate and follow.
While the death of Mr. Mathews comes as a great loss to Job Corps, it comes as a greater loss to the State of New Jersey. His efforts and advocacy for youth issues will be greatly missed, though his legacy will live on through his accomplishments and work.
Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in celebrating the life of Mr. Lee Mathews, as our State remembers his determination and excellent service.
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