Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend John G. Simmons. For over 60 years now, Reverend Simmons has dedicated himself to the causes of peace and justice throughout his community and in honor of his achievements, the Reverend John G. Simmons Opportunity House will be dedicated on May 16, 2002. The Opportunity House will serve as a treatment facility for the Mentally Ill Offenders Program.
Born in Mountain Grove, Missouri, Reverend Simmons is a graduate of Drake University, Ruther Seminary, University of Chicago and the University of Southern California. A devoted family man, he is married to Bethend Simmons and together they have three children--Johnny, Ginger and James. Rev. Simmons is also the proud stepfather to four children--Linda, Tylon, Paul and Karen. His eight grandchildren are his great pride.
Reverend Simmons has been an outspoken advocate and proponent for individuals and families in need of affordable housing and health care, specialized health needs and reasoned, caring healthcare practitioners. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Pacoima Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Sunair Children's Foundation and is the Founder of the Golden State Community Mental Health Center and the Los Angeles Family Housing-Valley Shelter.
Along with his dedication to healthcare and housing, Rev. Simmons has also pledged his support to education. As a founder of Casa Loma College, an institution dedicated to licensing vocational nurses, certified nurses and home health aides, he has ensured that qualified and experienced nurses are available to meet the health needs of at-risk individuals. He is also the founder of California Lutheran University, which is dedicated to the educational needs of students throughout the world.
As a strong advocate of social justice, civil liberties and civil rights, Reverend Simmons has been active in the ACLU, NAACP, Amnesty International, the Lutheran Peace Fellowship, L.A. County Commission on Human Relations and the Medical Committee for Civil Rights.
It is with great honor that I ask all Members to join with me in congratulating the Reverend John G. Simmons for his life's dedication to the social welfare of his community and on the dedication of the Rev. John G. Simmons Opportunity House.