[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1769-E1770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               KAGAYAKI KOBE SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, people helping their fellow men and women 
in their time of need is so prevalent amongst us that we can only 
believe it is an integral part of our makeup, that which gives us our 
humanity.
  An organization in this mode is the Kagayaki Kobe Social Welfare 
Organization, in Kobe, Japan, who, with its volunteers and supporters, 
is dedicated to providing services to the physically and mentally 
handicapped, their families and to the community at large. Part of the 
aid includes job training, daily living skills, assisted living, 
training and support for family members, all ongoing features of this 
organization's selfless dedication to gaining acceptance, integration 
and fair treatment of the most vulnerable members of our society.
  Kagayaki Kobe focuses on the individual needs of the disabled. It has 
promoted creativity and self expression through the staging of the 
popular ``Clown Angels'' performers, through art and calligraphy and in 
the production of crafts. The organization provides psychological and 
physical therapy, medical assistance and the forum for group activities 
to encourage openness and communication so that we all can better 
understand and provide assistance for others.
  From November 20th through November 23rd the Kagayaki Kobe 
International Event will celebrate the people who strive endlessly to 
make possible the good work of this organization: Mrs. Polissa Choueke, 
International Liaison, Mrs. Miyoko Ikeyama, President, and Mrs. Natsuko 
Dama, Financial Director, and all of the volunteers and supporters who 
so are dedicated.
  The Choueke Family, including Tony Choueke and Mrs. Polissa Choueke, 
also maintains a museum in Kobe as home to many artworks, antiques, 
interior decoration and a garden open to the public to benefit 
community events and charitable causes. The building, designed as an 
English mansion with a blend of Japanese and international influences, 
was acquired by the Choueke family in 1954 and for four generations, 
the Choueke family has been dedicated to its preservation and acquiring 
the artworks that adorn the interior.

[[Page E1770]]

  As a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its 
subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment I salute 
the efforts and cooperation between Kagayaki-Kobe and Mrs. Polissa 
Choueke in their dedication to the betterment of the mentally 
challenged, in furthering awareness and acceptance for the disabled, in 
providing both material and personal assistance to those in need, and 
working together to promote good will in nurturing the friendship 
between the people of Japan and those of the United States of America 
through service to others.

                          ____________________