[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING THE SELFRELIANCE UKRAINIAN AMERICAN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ON 
                          ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2011

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Selfreliance 
Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union (SUAFCU) which will celebrate 
60 years of service on September 21, 2011. This organization has helped 
countless Ukrainian families and businesses in my district and across 
Illinois live the American dream.
  SUAFCU was founded in 1951 as a financial cooperative whose mission 
was to benefit local members of the Ukrainian American community. Open 
to anyone of Ukrainian descent or members of other Ukrainian 
organizations, SUAFCU stays very focused on its original mission. The 
democratic tenets to which the Union strictly adheres make it a unique 
institution that provides an example of what hard working communities 
can achieve.
  During its first 15 years, SUAFCU was incredibly active, providing 
its members with over $4,156,000 in loans. Thanks to the responsible 
lending practices of this community, many Ukrainian doctors, dentists, 
and veterinarians were able to found successful practices. Dozens of 
other businesses opened thanks to SUAFCU, but just as important, 1200 
families were able to purchase homes in the Chicago area. This 
community came together to exemplify the American dream through smart 
practices and a closely-knit community.
  Around these businesses, the ``Ukrainian Village'' prospered into a 
network of interconnected community organizations including cultural 
and social clubs, and churches. SUAFCU works closely with churches and 
others to ensure the assimilation process is less difficult for 
Ukrainian immigrants--a population that brings diversity and new ideas 
to the area. SUAFCU continues to prosper and help families and 
businesses under current President and CEO Bohdan Watral and Chairman 
of the Board of Directors Michael Kos, two strong advocates for 
Ukrainian Americans.
  Please join me in honoring the Selfreliance Ukrainian American 
Federal Credit Union, a group that has brought immeasurable benefit to 
Illinois by helping Ukrainians thrive and contribute to the community. 
I know SUAFCU will continue to help individuals realize their dreams 
and I wish them prosperity over their next 60 years.

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