[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATION OF SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE BROOKLYN CHINESE-AMERICAN 
                              ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 1998

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Brooklyn Chinese-American Association on their second anniversary. This 
celebration is due to two years of community outreach. This 
organization began as a group of concerned citizens who wanted to 
better their community. Despite lack of funding and resources, the 
group managed to become an organized entity providing an array of vital 
services to the community.
  The Brooklyn Chinese-American Association provides essential services 
in the areas of health, service, and education. They conduct a variety 
of health related workshops and provide medical check-ups, free eye-
exams, blood pressure monitoring, and yearly flu shots. The 
organization also renders services to people of all ages from providing 
day care to supporting youth and senior citizen cultural activities. 
Educational programs such as citizenship classes, language skills, and 
music and dancing classes are also included in this multi-human service 
center. Enough cannot be said of the many services this organization 
provides to the community.
  Despite the lack of government funding and manpower, the organization 
has already enrolled more than 1,600 members and serves more than 150 
people per day. In its efforts to improve the overall quality of life, 
the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association has maintained ties with 
their local elected and public officials. Through town meetings and 
voter registration drives, the center has made efforts to increase the 
political participation of the community.
  This organization has truly evolved in a short period of time to 
become integral to the community. Mr. Speaker, distinguished 
colleagues, please join me in commemorating the efforts of the many who 
have struggled to make the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association what 
it is today. Let this organization be held as a prime example of how 
much can be accomplished when citizens care enough to make a change in 
their community.

                          ____________________