[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH ASSOCIATION

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                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 1996

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to recognize the 
Neighborhood Youth Association [NYA] on the occasion of the 
organization's 90 years of service to the Los Angeles community. On 
Friday, October 25, 1996, NYA will celebrate its 90th anniversary at a 
gala dinner at the Skirball Cultural Center. I am therefore pleased to 
have this opportunity to salute NYA this afternoon.
  Founded in 1906 by the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, NYA has 
established a rich legacy of providing essential services to 
underprivileged youth and their families. Included among the many 
services offered are individual and group counseling, crisis 
intervention, educational and employment services, child and family 
therapy, and after-school care for over 3,000 high-risk youth and 
families. The association has sponsored many award winning projects, 
including a mural painting project designated Barrios Unidos, which 
culminated in an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
  Other awards received by the Neighborhood Youth Association include 
the Agency of the Year Award, presented by the California Chapter of 
the National Association of Social Workers; a $1,000 grant bestowed by 
the California Banker's Association; and a commendation from United 
Way, which cited the group for its creativity in reaching out to ``. . 
. meet the needs of minority youth in low income families living in 
barrios and ghettos. . .''
  NYA's current project, Personal Best, allows association members and 
volunteers to work with each participating child from early childhood 
through high school. Components of the Personal Best program include 
counseling and tutorial services. The purpose is to help participating 
children identify and establish the goals and motivation necessary to 
help them achieve and succeed, both academically and socially.
  Mr. Speaker, at a time when society must do more to help the less 
fortunate members of our society, organizations such as NYA stand as a 
shining example of what the secular and religious community can 
accomplish when they join forces to help humankind. For 90 years, NYA 
has been providing exemplary service to the Los Angeles community. I 
ask that you join me in congratulating NYA on its anniversary 
celebration, and in extending to them our best wishes for many more 
years of service to the community.

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