FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 24, 2006

Congressman Tierney Receives President's Award from the Massachusetts Association for Community Action

Boston - Congressman John F. Tierney (D-Salem) was the recipient of the Massachusetts Association for Community Action's (MASSCAP) Self-Sufficiency President's Award for his commitment to the goal of self-sufficiency for all individuals and his consistent support for the work of community action agencies. The award was presented at the organization’s annual lunch at the Massachusetts State House.

"We are honored to be able to present our President's Award to the Congressman. It is a special award meant to recognize a true champion of vulnerable people and a consistent and tireless supporter of community action. He has taken the initiative to promote and protect a variety of programs that support our efforts to help low-income and working people in Massachusetts achieve self-sufficiency," said Joe Diamond, Executive Director of MASSCAP.

Jack Mogielnicki, Executive Director for Lynn Economic Opportunity, said, "We appreciate Congressman Tierney for his support for low and moderate income citizens and for his recognition of the vital work anti-poverty agencies do every day. He has led efforts for the Community Service Block Grant, fuel assistance, human rights, personal privacy, Head Start, energy conservation, education, health care and the development of a competitive workforce. He is always out front pushing for the little guy, seniors, children and people of limited means. What more can we ask from our Congressman? I think nothing."

At the event, Congressman Tierney said, "I accept the award only on the condition that everyone present realize that I was just doing my job as a Representative in the 'Peoples' House' which requires rightly that we represent all of the people, not just the well-off or special interests. We all recognize that the directors, staff, board members and volunteers at Community Action Programs are actually the ones who deserve the credit for managing programs that give people the opportunity needed to improve their lives."

Borrowing a thought from former Governor Ann Richards (TX) Tierney continued, "Some people are born on third base and think they hit a triple while others were born in the dugout or were consigned there by injury or illness in the family, lost position due to trade or other personal situations often beyond their control. Community Action efforts help people exercising personal responsibility over their lives get back onto the playing field. These programs not only help people in need and their families, but they also enrich our cities and towns and improve the overall economy."

"I congratulate all those associated with these programs and vow to continue to fight President Bush's efforts to eliminate resources for such a valuable tool for the health and well being of towns and cities as well as all of our families," concluded Tierney.

For forty years, the twenty-four agencies that make up MASSCAP have been providing residents of Massachusetts with basic support services such as fuel assistance, early education and care services such as Head Start, training services such as adult education and job training service, asset formation services such as financial literacy training and individual development accounts. MASSCAP also conducts advocacy education campaigns on the state and federal level that promote economic inclusion and self-sufficiency.

###

Go to Press Releases Organized by Issue
Go to Press Releases Organized by Date