[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 15, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 15, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         TRIBUTE TO BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF COACHELLA VALLEY, CA

                                 ______


                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 1994

  Mr. Burton of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley, CA.
  On a recent trip to the area, I was able to witness the activities of 
the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley firsthand. The impact this 
and other boys and girls clubs have on the lives of our youth is 
impressive and encouraging.
  The Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley provides a wide spectrum 
of interesting and fun activities designed to get kids off the streets 
and into a stable environment. The activities are organized in a manner 
which is interesting enough to keep the kids coming back. Aside from 
athletic and artistic activities, the club provides programs which help 
the kids with their school work, assist in obtaining collegiate 
financial assistance, provide computer training, and teach basic useful 
culinary skills.
  The impact the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley has had on the 
youth in its community has afforded it the opportunity to participate 
in a youth rehabilitation program. This program permits youths charged 
with misdemeanors to attend the constructive programs and activities at 
the club, instead of serving time in a prison where they learn more 
violent criminal behavior. This rehabilitation program has been funded 
entirely through private donations. When the entire community gets 
behind a project, there is no limit to what can be accomplished.
  Mr. Speaker, in a time when most Americans are concerned and/or 
affected by violent crime, the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley 
has taken the initiative to promote the family values often missing in 
today's youth. By doing this, the club has become a beacon, a shining 
example of what can be done if there is dedication and desire to do so.

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