[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 129 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]






                     TRIBUTE TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2005

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge and 
commend Catholic Charities, an organization that is celebrating 50 
years of service to the Santa Clara Valley community.
  Catholic Charities strives to empower the working poor to move beyond 
basic subsistence to a state of meaningful, quality living by 
encouraging economic, familial and emotional stability. It does this by 
developing cultural programs, supplying educational resources about 
ailments affecting older adults, and providing all of its services in 
various languages.
  While born out of Catholic gospel values, Catholic Charities serves 
people of all beliefs, cultures, ethnicities and ages. The 
organization's mission is to create a more just and compassionate 
community in which people of all cultures and beliefs can fully 
participate and thrive. They serve a diverse population from various 
ethnic backgrounds including Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, Mexican, 
Sudanese and Bosnian people. The agency works under the premise that 
the most effective way to affect a person is to connect with them from 
their personal, cultural perspective.
  Catholic Charities integrates services address the multiple factors 
that impact one's ability to be self sufficient and stable. Because 
these issues have an intergenerational impact, agency programs are 
geared across age groups to reach entire families. Their services 
include older adult programs, immigrant and refugee assistance, and 
housing programs. The agency also offers employment, youth, financial 
education and behavioral health services in addition to operating 
neighborhood centers.
  I have worked with Catholic Charities for over twenty years, and I 
can tell you from first-hand experience that I am proud of the 
leadership, volunteers and network of supporters whose dedication have 
built Catholic Charities into an integral part of the fabric of our 
local community.

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