[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 79 (Friday, May 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    THE RIVER BEND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, NEIGHBORHOOD FINANCIAL 
             CORPORATION AND THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP

                                 ______


                            HON. GREG GANSKE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 12, 1995
  Mr. GANSKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the River Bend 
Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood Financial Corporation and the 
Principal Financial Group. This partnership has been recognized for its 
achievements in creating and implementing a comprehensive neighborhood 
action plan. The partnership is one of six partnerships in the United 
States which will receive Social Compact's 1995 Outstanding Community 
Investment Award.
  I had the pleasure and the privilege of visiting River Bend this past 
weekend. In the 6 years since the partnership began, this community 
which was once comprised of drug dealers, prostitutes and decaying and 
abandoned houses has become a neighborhood of homes and families. 
Residents are no longer afraid to walk down neighborhood streets and 
161 homes have been salvaged or reconstructed. Crime is down. Pride is 
up.
  Our country should follow River Bend's lead. This neighborhood is a 
prime example of how people can help themselves. River Bend was given a 
helping hand by the financial services industry, the City of Des 
Moines, and Polk County--not a handout by the Federal Government.
  I encourage more neighborhoods in our Nation to strive to accomplish 
the level of excellence which River Bend has achieved.


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