[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF SUNNYSIDE COMMUNITY SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. 
House of Representatives to offer my congratulations to the Sunnyside 
Community Services Center on its 30th anniversary.
  The residents of New York's 12th Congressional District have been 
enriched by this institution's outstanding example of community 
cooperation, which provides valuable social, recreational, and 
educational services to the seniors and families of Western Queens. 
Thanks to the exemplary board, staff, and volunteer base of the 
Sunnyside Community Services Center, this once small organization that 
started in a church basement has blossomed, and has grown to provide an 
array of integrated activities and programs to over 12,000 residents, 
annually.
  The center offers these services to ensure that members have the 
opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of community life, 
while maintaining their independence and healthy lifestyle. This 
institution has also become a local economic engine, employing 90 
percent of its staff from within the Queens community. The staff runs 
caregiver programs for frail elderly and homebound seniors, after 
school programs and camps for elementary and middle-school children, 
and a variety of educational, social, and recreational activities for 
active adults.
  Over the past 30 years, Sunnyside Community Services Center has 
expanded its services even further to help meet the challenges faced by 
emerging immigrant and youth populations that reside in the area today. 
Their work has reached a significant number of residents of all 
backgrounds and ages and has allowed them to enjoy an enhanced and 
comfortable lifestyle.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 30th anniversary of 
the Sunnyside Community Services Center, and join with my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives to recognize the organization's 
outstanding service and dedication in addressing the needs of the 
Western Queens community.

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