[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 49 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO YWCA OF ESSEX AND WEST HUDSON--CELEBRATING NINE DECADES OF 
                               EXCELLENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2005

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize a 
valued institution in my Congressional district. For the past ninety 
years, the YWCA of Essex and West Hudson has been dedicated to the 
empowerment of women and girls as well as the elimination of racism. 
Founded at a time when women suffered through inhospitable working and 
living conditions, the YWCA of the USA was founded, in 1858, in order 
to fight for gender parity. The early pioneers of the organization 
realized that they could overcome racial and gender discrimination by 
banding together to form strong alliances of determined women.
  Since 1914, the Essex and West Hudson affiliate of the YWCA has 
provided the highest quality in health and fitness, recreation, 
education, child development and social services programming. Over nine 
decades, it has evolved from offering camping activities to providing 
childhood development classes to pregnant and parenting teens. 
Currently, the Essex and West Hudson affiliate serves nearly 200 
children in its after-school programs, over 500 children in its summer 
camps and over 200 birth through 5 year-olds in its early childhood 
education programs.
  In commemoration of 90 years of service, on May 19, 2005, the YWCA of 
Essex and West Hudson will celebrate the grand opening of its new 
state-of-the-art building. This facility will house amenities such as a 
computer learning center and an Aquatics & Fitness Complex.
  I salute the YWCA of Essex and West Hudson as they ``celebrate nine 
decades of excellence'' for their dedication to women, girls and the 
community at-large. I am proud to have this organization in my district 
and I wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

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