[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 49 (Friday, April 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO THE SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2002

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
contributions and accomplishments of The Santa Cruz Community Credit 
Union. In celebrating their 25th anniversary, we not only celebrate 
their longevity in our community, but the important assistance they 
have provided to thousands of residents in Santa Cruz County.
  The Santa Cruz Community Credit Union was founded in 1977 by a small 
group of activists concerned by the disparate levels of opportunity 
afforded individuals within the community. The Community Credit Union's 
mission to promote positive social and economic change has been the 
driving force behind their 25 year journey. And their mission has 
worked. Over the last 25 years, the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union 
has received the federal designation as a community development 
institution, received more than a million dollars to support their 
Individual Development Account Program, and the national Louise Herring 
Award for Philosophy in Action for their ``Asset Development for Low-
Income Members Program.'' The work of the dedicated staff of the 
Community Credit Union over the last 25 years has had a lasting impact 
in our community, helping those who need it the most.
  The Santa Cruz Community Credit Union now serves more than 8200 
members in the region. Their 25 years of service have proven beyond a 
doubt that a simple idea to help others help themselves by tying 
community development goals with traditional financial lending 
practices can have a positive impact on those seeking the American 
dream of economic independence. The Santa Cruz Community Credit Union 
is an invaluable asset to our community, and I hope that they continue 
their good work for many years to come.

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