[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 142 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1685-E1686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LAS VEGAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2011

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las 
Vegas.
  The Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas opened their first club in 1961 
in a casino basement in North Las Vegas and today serves over 14,000 
children in eight dedicated facilities throughout Clark County.
  Their mission is to enable all young people to reach their full 
potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Several of the 
Clubs are placed to serve the neighborhoods, where children are most 
at-risk for educational and financial failure, drug and alcohol abuse, 
gang involvement, and teen pregnancy.

[[Page E1686]]

  Many children come home to an empty house while their parents are at 
work. It is important for those children to know that they have a place 
to go where people care for them. That is where the Boys & Girls Clubs 
of Las Vegas fills a vital role.
  Their programs engage young people in activities with adults, peers, 
and family members that enable them to grow and flourish. Based on the 
interests and needs of the boys and girls they serve, clubs offer 
diverse program activities in five areas: character and leadership 
development, education and career development, the arts, sports, 
fitness and recreation, and health and life skills.
  A survey conducted on the Boys & Girls Clubs determined that over 
half of the adults that participated in Club events as children 
attributed the Boys & Girls Clubs to saving their lives. Eighty percent 
said they learned right and wrong from a member of the Club staff.
  While many Club alumni have achieved distinction in fields such as 
entertainment, business, politics, and sports, the average alumnus is 
not famous. Most have achieved success by getting an education, raising 
families, serving their country, pursuing careers, and supporting their 
communities.
  The Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas uses a lineup of tested and 
proven nationally recognized programs that address today's most 
pressing youth issues, teaching young people the skills they need to 
succeed in life.
  Nearly a third of the Clubs' members who participate in the homework 
assistance and tutoring program are on their schools' honor rolls. Most 
importantly, those children have a safe place they can stay while their 
parents are at work.
  As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, it 
gives me immense pride to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Boys & 
Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.

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