[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 15 (Monday, February 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 BROOKLYN CHINESE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

                                 ______


                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 1996

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it pleases me to congratulate one of the 
leading multi-service organizations in the 12th Congressional District, 
the Brooklyn Chinese American Association [BCA] on its eighth 
anniversary. The Brooklyn Chinese America Association serves the 
vibrant Asian American community in Brooklyn through a multitude of 
programs including a senior citizens center, and confidential police 
information hot line, adult literacy and citizenship programs, 
employment and skills training programs, leadership training and 
academic tutoring for youth as well as an Asian Youth Orchestra. The 
Brooklyn Chinese American Association serves more than 400 clients 
daily in these and other programs such as through case management 
services and a program for the mentally retarded and developmentally 
disabled. These services are an invaluable contribution to the Asian 
American community of Sunset part, Brooklyn and to New York City as a 
whole.
  Through Brooklyn Chinese American Association's efforts, Chinese 
American's of Brooklyn have been able to access the information and 
resources needed to succeed in their new homes. Simultaneously, the 
tremendous talents, enterprise, and energy that immigrants have always 
brought to America, especially to our cities, has been untapped for all 
to enjoy.
  In the 8 years that the Brooklyn Chinese American Association has 
developed from a one person service project in the corner of a 
surrounding Asian American community of Brooklyn has revitalized Eight 
Avenue, opening up more than 50 new businesses. All along the way, 
Brooklyn Chinese American Association has been there growing with and 
serving the needs of this dynamic community.
  A year ago, Brooklyn Chinese American Association celebrated the 
grand opening of its community service center which houses its day care 
center, computer for employment skills training, classrooms for English 
as a second language [ESL] and citizenship classes as well as space for 
social services provision. Through this and other centers which are 
readily accessible, the Brooklyn Chinese American Association is able 
to accommodate the educational, employment training and social service 
needs of the Chinese American community in a culturally competent 
manner.
  In closing, I'd like to say that as a country of immigrants, the 
United States has always welcomed and encouraged immigrants to fulfill 
their hopes and dreams as active and contributing members of our 
society. Hard work and enterprise by our Nation's immigrants should be 
applauded and it is in that spirit, Mr. Speaker, that I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the Brooklyn Chinese American 
Association and wish it much success as it works to empower the Asian 
American community of Brooklyn and of New York City.

                          ____________________