[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 46 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATIONS TO PRACA FOR 45 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP IN THE PUERTO RICAN 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 1998

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Puerto 
Rican Association for Community Affairs (PRACA) and congratulate this 
worthy organization on the occasion of the First Annual PRACA Awards. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating PRACA as they celebrate 
their forty-fifth year of leadership in New York City's Puerto Rican 
and Latino community on May 1st, 1998.
  PRACA was founded in 1953 during the height of the Puerto Rican 
migration to New York City. At that time there were few organizations 
that helped newly-arrived Puerto Rican families adjust to the city's 
fast lifestyle, while helping them maintain their culture, values and 
traditions. PRACA was in the forefront of a movement, creating social 
service programs dedicated to the enrichment of the Puerto Rican 
community. In the years that followed, PRACA continued this work and 
extended the same services to other newly-arrived Latino families.
  Today, PRACA's programs range from children and families services to 
adoption, education and housing programs. Over the years, they have 
been consistent in their mission while continuing to meet the diverse 
needs of the Puerto Rican and Latino community. PRACA has assisted 
families in understanding their new culture as well as preserving their 
history, language and cultural heritage. PRACA has helped reduce 
barriers, promote advancement and improved the lives of thousands of 
families in New York.
  In closing, I ask you to join me in saluting PRACA for their vision, 
their leadership and their perseverance these past 45 years. 
Congratulations!

                          ____________________