[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY'S 100TH ANIVERSARY

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                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Armenian Relief 
Society as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
  The Armenian Relief Society, ARS, established in 1910, is a non-
profit organization devoted to community and cultural service. 
Initially a mostly women's organization, it empowered women to take 
leadership roles and act for the betterment of society, and encompass 
the importance of serving the needs of Armenian genocide victims.
  As time elapsed, the goals of the ARS branched out to reach all 
communities in distress--Armenian and non-Armenian alike. In addition 
to disaster relief and assistance during wars and epidemics, the ARS 
has broadened its activities and developed a mission and a common 
purpose. Today, they address social, educational, developmental, and 
cultural roles within communities.
  Over the course of a century, the organization has launched chapters 
in more than 26 countries. The ARS situated its western roots in Fresno 
in 1915 and has expanded to include 26 chapters in California, Nevada, 
Arizona, Texas, and Utah. Hence, the ARS of Western USA was established 
in 1984 in response to the growing needs of expanding communities. 
Geographical location has never steered members off their precise 
course of making a difference in local communities and around the world 
simultaneously.
  The ARS's passion to help people has blossomed into various 
constructive projects. Since its establishment in 1980, Armenian Relief 
Society Social Services Centers have aided approximately 60,000 people 
annually regarding issues such as immigration, counseling, and services 
for the elderly. In the year 2000, the ARS Child, Youth & Family 
Guidance Center was created to provide a gateway to individuals and 
families suffering from problems such as marital and family conflicts 
and substance abuse. Supportive professional therapists offer 
individual and group psychotherapy, family psychotherapy, and crisis 
intervention. With the support of generous donors, the ARS continues to 
support such centers as well as schools, scholarship programs, cultural 
centers, health-care clinics, and orphanages to name a few examples. 
Today, ARS chapters also work hand-in-hand with other charities such as 
the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and YWCA.
  I am proud to recognize the past and present members and supporters 
of the ARS for their unique contributions to the global community, and 
I ask all Members to join me in congratulating the Armenian Relief 
Society for 100 years of dedicated service.

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