[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE YWCA OF WESTERN NEW YORK

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN J. LaFALCE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 11, 1995

  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize today the history 
and achievements of the YWCA of Western New York, which is celebrating 
its 125 anniversary on October 27.
  The YWCA has a distinguished tradition of service to women, to 
Western New York, and to this country. The Western New York YWCA was 
founded in 1870, only 15 years after the founding of the national YWCA. 
The Western New York chapter lost no time in making its mark on the 
community.
  One of its earliest efforts was to coordinate charity work in 
Buffalo. The coalition of charities it organized has lasted to this 
day, evolving into the present-day United Way. Other local 
organizations with roots in the YWCA are the Urban League, the Business 
and Professional Women's Clubs, and the Travelers Aid Society.
  The Western New York YWCA has made its strongest mark on family and 
women's issues. It began child care and ``well baby'' programs early 
on, and it now operates the largest licensed after-school day care 
program in the region, along with other family support programs such as 
one for at-risk teens.
  It has focused on assisting women in entering and advancing in the 
workplace--from recruiting women into necessary defense jobs in the 
Second World War to its current Leadership Development Program which 
encourages and prepares women to enter jobs traditionally held by men. 
The YWCA also runs a transitional housing program, which helps women in 
trouble to get back on their feet. It even runs a monthly cable 
program, called ``Womanworks'' which focuses on modern women's issues.

  Of course, the YWCA also offers a wide range of fitness programs, on 
which many families in the community have come to rely. These programs 
include everything from youth sports to a special exercise program for 
people with arthritis.
  Aside from its distinguished tradition of community service, the 
Western New York YWCA has made its mark on American history. For 
example, in the 1950's--a time of intense racial tension--it named Mary 
Wood as Executive Director; the first African-American YWCA executive 
in the country. At one time, it counted among its members Presidents 
Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland. In fact, the downtown building 
of the Western New York YWCA is at the site of the home of President 
Fillmore.
   Mr. Speaker, the YWCA certainly has earned our recognition and 
appreciation as it marks 125 years of service to the region and the 
country. I congratulate this organization for carrying on in its superb 
traditions by continuing to provide the Western New York community with 
critical support programs, and I hope that it will celebrate many great 
anniversaries in the future.

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