[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 31 (Thursday, March 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY WESTERN REGION'S 20TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2004

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Armenian Relief 
Society Western Region as it celebrates its 20th anniversary of serving 
communities in the United States.
  Founded in 1910, the Armenian Relief Society brought together the 
existing women's groups into a cohesive nationwide organization with 
the main goal of serving the needs of the victims of the Armenian 
genocide. As an independent non-government and nonsectarian 
organization, the Armenian Relief Society serves the social and 
educational needs of Armenian communities throughout the world, seeking 
to preserve the cultural identity of the Armenian nation as well as 
bringing humanitarian aid to all communities in distress--Armenian and 
non-Armenian alike.
  In response to the growing needs of the communities, the ARSWR was 
established as a region in 1984. The 26 chapters of the Western Region 
have an extensive program of service to the community such as assisting 
newly arrived immigrants with clarification of legal matters, 
translation, preparation of documents, employment, distribution of food 
and other necessities and financial aid, serving over 50,000 clients 
annually. In an effort to enhance the education of the society's 
members and encourage their involvement in public service, the ARS 
sponsors many educational programs such as summer camps, Saturday 
schools, numerous scholarships, and cultural activities including 
lectures, concerts and art exhibitions. One of the most successful 
programs has been the ``Sponsor a Child'' program through which the 
Western Region currently sponsors over 1000 children.
  The ARSWR has been able to meet and fulfill its challenges for 20 
years because of a base of dedicated grassroots supporters, volunteers 
and donors. It is this partnership that has made such growth and impact 
possible and will continue to do so in the 21st century.
  It is my distinct honor to recognize the Armenian Relief Society 
Western Region's innumerable accomplishments over the years. I ask all 
members to join me in congratulating ARS Western Region's 20 years of 
myriad of cultural and social contributions to all aspects of the 
community.

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