[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PREVENTION PROGRAMS THAT WORK

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                         HON. WILLIAM J. COYNE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 1997

  Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, too often in our discussions on juvenile 
crime, we forget to acknowledge and celebrate the young people who 
succeed despite tremendous adversity. I rise today to acknowledge one 
such young man and the organization that helped him realize his full 
potential.
  Thomas Washington, a former gang member and high school dropout, is 
now a role model for other young people in his community. Thomas grew 
up in Point Breeze, a neighborhood in the East End area of Pittsburgh. 
It is a neighborhood that suffers from gang activity and juvenile 
crime. Despite a loving, caring, supportive mother, Thomas got involved 
in gang activity. He was kicked out of three different high schools and 
had no sense of direction. Then Thomas got involved with the Pittsburgh 
YMCA's East End Youth Outreach Program.
  The Pittsburgh YWCA had established the East End Youth Outreach 
Program in five of Pittsburgh's poorest neighborhoods in an effort to 
reduce crime and juvenile delinquency. This program encouraged and 
helped Thomas and other former gang members to start their own 
business, the Deluxe Landscaping Co. Now, a lot of young people from 
Thomas' neighborhood seen him working rather than hustling. They see 
through Thomas' example that there are positive, legitimate ways to 
earn a living and contribute to the community.
  As we prepare to consider juvenile crime legislation, I would 
encourage my colleagues not to forget young people like Thomas 
Washington and organizations like the Pittsburgh YMCA. Prevention 
programs have an important role to play in reducing juvenile crime and 
helping young people through the often difficult transition to 
adulthood. I urge my colleagues not to ignore the need for prevention 
programs in addressing the problem of juvenile crime.

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