[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 61 (Thursday, April 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE NATIONAL CRITTENTON FOUNDATION

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                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2008

  Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in commemorating the 125th anniversary of the National Crittenton 
Foundation and the Crittenton Family of Agencies. I do so because this 
network of organizations deserves recognition for the profound role 
they have played in allowing girls and young women to realize their 
full potential.
  In particular, I would like to draw attention to the Florence 
Crittenton Services of Arizona in Phoenix. For more than a century, 
this organization has provided valuable services, education and 
community-based programs to help Arizona children and teens overcome 
the issues of abuse, neglect, teen pregnancy and mental health 
problems. Through its comprehensive network of services and support 
systems, this organization provides a refuge where vulnerable youth, 
ages 12 to 21, prosper from the assistance of a caring community and 
discover the possibility of a bright new future in spite of their 
challenging past experiences.
  As society has experienced dramatic changes in the last 100 years, 
the Phoenix home has changed too, but its goal of giving every girl it 
serves safety, hope, and opportunity has remained constant. I commend 
the Florence Crittenton board members, staff and volunteers for their 
compassion and dedication to excellence, ensuring that their services 
continue to grow to meet the needs of the girls it serves, and for 
becoming one of the state's leading experts in gender-specific 
services.
  It is with great pride that I congratulate the Florence Crittendon 
Services of Arizona and its nationwide community of Crittendon sister 
organizations on their successful efforts to empower at-risk girls to 
rise above the negative circumstances they have been exposed to and 
become productive and self-sufficient citizens who understand the value 
of always treating themselves and others with respect.

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