[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO UNITED COMMUNITY CENTER IN CELEBRATION OF ITS 35TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2005

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
achievements of an outstanding community center in my district. This 
week the United Community Center celebrates its 35th Anniversary.
  Since 1970, the UCC has endeavored to provide services and cultural 
opportunities to members of the Hispanic community in Milwaukee. 
Founded as a youth center, the UCC has grown into one of the premier 
social service agencies in our city, with an impressive array of 
programs designed to serve the needs of Hispanic families and 
communities.
  The UCC attempts to create new opportunities for Hispanic families to 
move out of poverty and join the ranks of the middle class. Confronting 
the challenges of poverty requires a multi-faceted approach, a fact 
that is not lost on the leaders and members of this organization.
  The UCC attends to the educational needs of the community, serving 
hundreds of students in its pre-kindergarten, grade school and middle 
school programs. Recognizing the importance of physical health, the 
Center offers prevention and health awareness services designed to 
reduce smoking, drug abuse, and teen pregnancy. The UCC understands 
that communities are sustained, in part, by culture, and as a result, 
regularly exhibits the works of prominent Hispanic artists and stages 
musical and dance performances. Young people in the community benefit 
from classes and workshops in theater arts, ceramics, dance and music. 
The UCC helps us care for our elders, providing assistance with 
transportation and affordable housing, while also maintaining adult day 
care for senior citizens.
  The UCC understands that caring for families and individuals requires 
caring for the environment and stabilizing the neighborhood. Through 
its neighborhood development initiative, the UCC helps build the wealth 
and desirability of the community by helping families repair their 
homes, plant trees, and landscape open areas.
  Through all of these activities, the UCC also serves as an ambassador 
for Hispanic people, reaching out to other communities in Milwaukee to 
develop understanding and acceptance of Hispanic culture.
  By offering a unique array of services and programs, the UCC has 
established itself as a vital center of Hispanic culture in my 
district. On the occasion of this 35th Anniversary, I salute the 
leaders of the UCC, its current and former volunteers, and it members, 
for these impressive achievements.

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