[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 127 (Thursday, September 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GREATER 
                                 FLINT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 10, 2009

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, today I would like to extend 
congratulations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint as they 
mark their 65th anniversary. This Saturday, September 12, a celebration 
will be held in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, in honor of this 
occasion.
  The Flint area Big Brothers program developed from an idea of Frank 
Manley to pair at-risk boys with mentors. He established an informal 
program during the 1930's and then Father, later Monsignor, Earl 
Sheridan brought Father Flannigan from Boy's Town to Flint in the 
1940's. Through his example and inspiration, the Flint Youth Bureau was 
formally established in 1944. The Mott Foundation provided the funding 
and Joe Ryder was the first Executive Director, serving in that 
capacity for 23 years.
  In 1955, Frank Manley, William Minardo and Allen Matherne started the 
Big Sisters program. The two organizations merged in 1985. Since that 
time Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint has partnered with 
several organizations to expand mentoring programs in the area. They 
have also developed innovative programs like school-based mentoring. 
Working with the Urban League the 100 Men 100 Boys group was started. 
The Superstar Club serves unmatched children. In addition, 25 
congregations signed agreements to support the Mentoring Children of 
Prisoners Program (AMACHI).
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
applauding the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint as 
they celebrate 65 years of providing positive role models to children, 
especially children from single parent homes. Their partnerships with 
the Flint Community Schools and the Genesee Intermediate School 
District will help them expand their mission to include even more 
children. I congratulate them for their commitment to serve the youth 
of our community and to help them grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

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