[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         THE PHOENIX SENIOR SUMMER CORPS' ``SUMMER OF SAFETY''

                                 ______


                          HON. SAM COPPERSMITH

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 1994

  Mr. COPPERSMITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call to my colleagues' 
attention the ``Summer of Safety'' project of the city of Phoenix.
  Since 1974, Phoenix has sponsored the very successful Senior 
Companion Program. This important and caring effort arranges for senior 
companions to assist each other in remaining independent, in their 
homes, exactly where most seniors want to live.
  This summer, as part of the President's National Service Initiative, 
the Corporation for National and Community Service has stated a new 
initiative for seniors called the '`Summer of Safety.'' Organized by 
the City's Senior Companion Program, a group of senior volunteers 
called the Senior Summer Corps has formed to address many public safety 
needs of local communities throughout the summer.
  According to recent surveys, nearly two-thirds of seniors who live in 
Maricopa County fear walking alone at night. The Phoenix Senior Summer 
Corps will address two public safety needs identified by the Phoenix 
Police Department: teaching seniors how to make their homes safer, and 
educating them on what kinds of activities they should report to the 
police. Seniors also learn about potential criminal activities in their 
community and about ways neighbors can help prevent crime by developing 
a neighborhood senior block-watch program.
  The ``Summer of Safety'' program recognizes what Americans have 
always known; that neighbors, working together, are the best resources 
for improving the safety and quality of life in our communities. I urge 
my colleagues to join me in applauding and supporting the work of the 
Phoenix Police Department and the Senior Summer Corps.

                          ____________________