[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 14 (Tuesday, January 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2008

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, throughout the month of 
January, we observe National Mentoring Month, which calls to attention 
the importance of fostering positive, helping relationships with our 
youth. I rise today to recognize the importance of mentoring to the 
vitality of our Nation.
  According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 
there are 3 million mentors in the United States. While impressive at 
first glance, the reality is, there are far more young people in need 
of the caring support of an adult mentor that go without one--over 14 
million youths across the Nation are still in need of a mentoring 
relationship.
  I would like to commend the many community-based organizations in the 
Greater Hartford region, in my own State of Connecticut that provide 
mentoring services and youth focused programs like the Community 
Renewal Team, Hartford Communities that Care, Mi Casa Family Services 
and Education Center and Our Piece of the Pie. These groups partner 
with local, State and non-profit organizations to ensure the positive 
development of the young people in my district.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the many youths in need of encouragement 
and support, the many adults who are engaged in mentoring activities, 
and the organizations that work tirelessly to close the mentoring gap, 
I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking mentors across the country 
and recognizing National Mentoring Month.