[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING ST. PAUL YWCA'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the 
St. Paul YWCA for its 100 years of providing hope, opportunity, and a 
community gathering place for the residents of St. Paul.
  Founded in 1907 by a group of dedicated young women who moved to St. 
Paul to look for employment opportunities in the factories and mills, 
the St. Paul YWCA and its programs have continuously evolved to meet 
the changing needs of the community. The first YWCA was constructed on 
Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul with a gymnasium, club, classrooms, 
auditorium, and a 100-bed residence. Since its beginning, the YWCA has 
maintained its commitment to serve and support women by providing 
programs in education, business skills, home arts and crafts, and 
physical fitness.
  Over the years, the St. Paul YMCA has helped to foster other 
community initiatives and organizations. It provided office and meeting 
space for organizations such as Campfire Girls and the League of Women 
Voters, and later helped to spur the beginning of community agencies 
such as the Hallie O. Brown Center, Travelers Aid, International 
Institute of Minnesota, and Capitol Community Services. The YWCA was a 
pioneer of the first Festival of Nations grand opening in 1932.
  During the Great Depression, the St. Paul YWCA helped to build up the 
community by offering job assistance and counseling for women in 
business and industry. Similar efforts were undertaken during World War 
II, when the YWCA provided support for women entering the labor force 
as well as support for servicemen and women through the USO and relief 
efforts.
  In the second half of the 20th century, the St. Paul YWCA expanded 
its community outreach by offering educational and recreational 
programs, including housing projects as well as emergency shelter for 
homeless women and children in the state of Minnesota.
  In the first 7 years of the 21st century, the YWCA has risen to new 
opportunities, serving more than 6,000 people through its programs that 
include wellness services, supportive housing, long-term mentoring, 
childcare, youth development programs, volunteer services, and 
community programming. In addition, the YWCA has served over 350 
schools, community and government agencies, service providers, and 
businesses through its programs. I look forward to celebrating YWCA's 
many successes in the years to come.
  Madam Speaker, in honor of the founders of the St. Paul YWCA, its 
staff, board members, and volunteers, and its delivery services that 
have made a difference for the lives of others, I am pleased to submit 
this statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the 100th 
anniversary of the St. Paul, MN, YWCA.

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