[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 167 (Thursday, October 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YWCA OF WESTERN NEW YORK

                                 ______


                            HON. JACK QUINN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 1995

  Mr. QUINN, Mr. Speaker, I take great pleasure in rising to recognize 
the outstanding achievements of the YWCA of western New York, which 
celebrates its 125th Anniversary on October 27, 1995.
  The western New York YWCA has taken the lead throughout its history 
in supporting and fighting for the welfare of children. It was 
instrumental in working with the New York State Legislature for 
meaningful child labor laws. The YWCA also established some of the 
first well baby clinics in the area, and organized child care programs 
for working parents. Today, the YWCA operates the largest licensed 
after-school day care center program in western New York.
  The YWCA was also in the forefront in working to improve women's 
health, establishing a health monitoring system for women as early as 
the First World War.
  In the early days of this century, the YWCA established its 
International Institute to help foreign-born women learn the language 
and customs of their new homeland. The institute's programs taught them 
about America and assisted them in their search for employment, housing 
and education.
  It can also boast of being the training ground, through its Institute 
for Public Leadership, of women who have developed outstanding careers 
in public service, including mayors, legislators and judges. 
Recognizing its importance, two Presidents of the United States from 
western New York, Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland, showed their 
appreciation and respect for the YWCA of western New York and its work 
by becoming life members. In fact, the YWCA's home in downtown Buffalo 
has long stood on the site of the residence of our Nation's 13th 
President, Millard Fillmore, a fitting location for an organization 
which has so ably served the people.
  Mr. Speaker, there are many organizations which receive praise on the 
floor of the House of Representatives, but I know of few which can 
match the record of achievement and service shown by the YWCA of 
western New York. For 125 years this outstanding organization has been 
in the forefront of providing for the needs of the citizens of the 
region. I know my colleagues will join with me in wishing it a Happy 
125th Anniversary and extending best wishes for centuries more of 
public service and outreach.

                          ____________________