[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 68 (Thursday, May 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO THE NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, it is a testament to the 
courage, strength, and honor of Americans that of the many reactions to 
the events of September 11, only few were expressions of suspicion and 
hostility against innocent residents of our nation. However, any 
reaction reflecting suspicion and hostility, any violence against those 
targeted because of their religion, country of origin, skin color, 
language, or dress is shameful, and we all must work diligently to 
prevent them.
  I am proud to recognize the Neighbor to Neighbor program in my 
district. Volunteers organized this program to protect the safety and 
dignity of all who live in the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural area of the 
Central Coast of California.
  Neighbor to Neighbor acts as a clearinghouse to pair community 
members who need help with those who need to help. Volunteers assist 
neighbors with shopping, running errands, short and long distance 
travel; they provide shelter, translation, safe companionship, 
vandalism cleanup, and other needed services. Assistance is free, 
confidential, and available all hours of the day and night. Collect 
calls are accepted. All nationalities are welcomed; those who request 
help need not speak English.
  Neighbor to Neighbor also recruits speakers for local schools and 
community groups to foster discussion, provide education, and attempt 
to dispel ignorance and fear.
  Neighbor to Neighbor asks that we prove to the world, to our 
children, and to ourselves that we refuse to succumb to hate, 
ignorance, and that we do not ignore the needs of our neighbors. The 
ultimate goal of the Neighbor to Neighbor program is the discovery that 
its existence is no longer needed, that our neighbors are living 
peacefully with each other. I look forward to this day.

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