[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              CASA FAMILIAR: 25 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 1997

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, I rise today to pay tribute 
to an organization in my district which has made innumerable 
contributions toward improving the lives of everyday citizens in the 
community of San Ysidro. Today, I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the 25th anniversary of Casa Familiar.
  In 1972, Casa Familiar was formed by the San Diego Chapter of 
Trabajadores de la Raza, a group of local citizens, who were motivated 
by shared concerns for the residents in their community. Casa Familiar 
was founded to primarily serve Spanish-speaking residents, but today, 
it makes these services available for all the residents of south San 
Diego County.
  Casa Familiar provides numerous services to enhance the quality of 
life for its residents. Through its education department, Casa Familiar 
not only provides classes for teens and the elderly, it also serves as 
an advocate for quality education for both youth and adults. As part of 
its commitment to the community, Casa Familiar, provides counseling, 
case management, translation, and citizenship assistance to 
neighborhood residents.
  Casa Familiar recently began to offer programs to promote affordable 
housing. Casa Familiar has developed innovative partnerships with 
owners of multifamily complexes to provide safe, decent, and affordable 
shelter. These partnerships have resulted in rental referral programs, 
which are vital in helping people search for housing. The transitional 
housing program has been successful in providing local residents an 
opportunity to achieve the American dream--a home.
  Casa Familiar is located in San Ysidro, at the southern end of San 
Diego County--adjacent to the United States-Mexico border. The 
community consists of working families and new immigrants who 
contribute their share to the greatness of our Nation's economy. San 
Ysidro is California's gateway to international trade and commerce.
  In our community Casa Familiar is known as a leader, a voice for our 
community. Since its inception, Casa Familiar has remained true to 
fulfilling its mission of building the community by advocating on 
behalf of community interests.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will join me in saluting Casa 
Familiar's 25 years of community service.

                          ____________________