[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 12, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING GIRLS INCORPORATED OF THE ISLAND CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2004

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th 
Anniversary of Girls Incorporated of the Island City in Alameda, 
California. Girls, Inc. of the Island City held a successful 5th Annual 
Celebration of Excellence luncheon on May 1, 2004, in conjunction with 
their milestone anniversary.
  Forty years ago, a group of Alameda citizens established a program 
for girls which was incorporated as Alameda Girl's Club, Inc. Kaye van 
Valkenberg, served as its first Board President (1964-1967) and 
together with other local civic leaders inspired what is now called 
Girls Inc. of the Island City. Over 300 girls currently participate in 
Girls Inc. of the Island City programs.
  The mission of the organization is to inspire all girls to be strong, 
smart and bold through innovative programs, activities, and advocacy. 
The goal of its Activity Centers is to provide quality services to 
children and families, to encourage and support children's growth, and 
assist families to meet economic needs and family goals.
  Girls Inc. of the Island City is a local member organization of the 
national Girls Inc. organization offering programs focused on helping 
girls of all races, ethnicity, economic and social backgrounds avoid 
violence, drug addiction, and teen pregnancy; teaching girls literacy 
in economics and the media; and encouraging girls to pursue careers in 
math, science and technology, and become community leaders.
  Six program areas--careers, and life planning; health and sexuality, 
leadership and community action, sports and adventure; self-reliance 
and life skills; and culture and heritage are the foundation of Girls, 
Inc. of the Island City.
  Girls, Inc. of Island City continues to inspire all girls to be 
strong, smart and bold and to have confidence and be safe in the world. 
I applaud its forty years of exemplary service and join the city of 
Alameda in appreciation for this organization's efforts to make a 
positive difference in the lives of girls.

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