[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 26, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRAVELERS AID SOCIETY OF 
                              RHODE ISLAND

  Mr. PELL. Madam President, this month, Travelers Aid Society of Rhode 
Island is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its service to the Rhode 
Island community.
  Travelers Aid Society provides needed comprehensive social services 
to individuals and families across a much broader spectrum than is 
implied by the society's name. The Travelers Aid Society's array of 
services to those in need, whether Travelers or not, include health 
care, employment training, education for adults and at-risk youth, and 
emergency housing and shelter.
  Caring, dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in Travelers Aid 
Society's service to the less fortunate of our community. These 
volunteers range in age from high school to senior citizens. My mother 
was one throughout World War II. Because of the selflessness of its 
many committed volunteers, the Travelers Aid Society Center in 
Providence is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  The Travelers Aid Society of Rhode Island has benefited the lives of 
many. One story which has been brought to my attention involves a young 
woman named Diana. Diana began drinking and smoking marijuana at age 
11. At age 14, Diana had discovered cocaine. Diana had become both an 
alcoholic and a drug addict by the time she graduated from high school.
  After graduation, Diana could not hold a job. She was fired for her 
behavior after happy hour lunches. Then, Diana became involved in an 
abusive relationship, which led to more substance abuse. Finally, Diana 
threatened suicide and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
  Diana was released from the hospital after a 5-day stay. When she got 
out, Diana knew it was only a matter of time before she turned to 
alcohol or drugs again. That is when Diana went to Travelers Aid.
  With the help of the Travelers Aid Society's addicts recovery group, 
Diana is on the right path. She has a full-time position as a nursing 
assistant, her own apartment, and expects to start taking community 
college courses. Diana also volunteers at Travelers Aid where she uses 
her story to help others.
  Diana is just one example of the many, many people whom Travelers Aid 
Society has assisted during its 100 years of service to the Rhode 
Island community. The Travelers Aid Society staff and volunteers should 
be proud of all the good resulting from their time and tireless 
efforts.
  I know well the value of the services provided by Travelers Aid to 
the people of our State. We have worked together closely over the years 
to provide assistance to those Rhode Islanders who may have fallen 
through the cracks of our social safety net. And I know that it is 
through the dedication and compassion of its leaders, including its 
president, Marion Avarista, the Travelers Aid has so successfully 
addressed urgent needs in the lives of so many.
  As with many States that have experienced harsh winters and inclement 
weather, Rhode Island has found its need for Travelers Aid particularly 
acute in recent years. Travelers Aid has always been there to help, 
and, I surely hope, will always remain so.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating Travelers Aid of 
Rhode Island on this important occasion and expressing our gratitude 
for the important work they have done.

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