[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 154 (Friday, October 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING SAINT VINCENT'S DAY HOME

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 14, 2011

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Saint 
Vincent's Day Home (SVDH) as it celebrates the amazing milestone of its 
Centennial. Over the last 100 years, in the same Victorian house in 
which it was founded, the Sisters of the Holy Family and SVDH's Board 
of Directors, staff and supporters have provided Oakland's low-income 
children and their families with countless opportunities to grow and 
thrive. On this truly momentous occasion, we recognize the steadfast 
commitment of SVDH to provide a safe, welcoming and hopeful space that 
nourishes the bodies, hearts and minds of West Oakland's children.
  In 1911, The Archbishop of San Francisco, Most Reverend Patrick 
Riordan, asked Sister Joseph and Sister Agnes of the Sisters of the 
Holy Family to select a site in Oakland for the establishment of a new 
convent and day home. An 1863, 14-room Queen Anne Victorian house was 
purchased for a bargain price, and after a dedication ceremony on 
October 2, 1911 and a grand opening on the 16th, Saint Vincent's Day 
Home was officially in service. Located on the second floor of the 
residence, the Day Home was already serving 32 children in its first 
month. In the 1920s, the Day Home expanded operations as the convent 
moved to Piedmont and the organization received additional funding 
through what is now called the United Way. By the following decade, 180 
children were enrolled in SVDH and the Day Home was growing to include 
increased support and programming. Today, SVDH serves over 230 
children, ages two through six, and counting.
  Over the last 40 years, SVDH has struck a vital balance between the 
introduction of modern revitalization efforts and the maintenance of 
its core values of service. For these reasons and more, it has become a 
national model of care for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners and 
youth. From its first major expansion in 1976, to the launch of its 
Children's Fund a decade later and its first computer lab in 1991, SVDH 
has utilized a collaborative leadership process that includes founding 
parties, parents and lay Board members in its ongoing and successful 
operation.
  More than 32,000 children have benefitted from SVDH's culturally 
competent education and literacy programs, as well as its referrals to 
comprehensive services that help keep families afloat. It's dedicated 
community, government and private partners, including United Way of the 
Bay Area, the California Department of Education, Chevron Corporation, 
Scott's Seafood Restaurant, S.H. Cowell Foundation and the Sisters of 
the Holy Family (just to name a few), are helping SVDH to champion 
family literacy and jump-start child development for decades to come.
  Therefore, on behalf of the residents of California's 9th 
Congressional District, I would like to salute Saint Vincent's Day 
Home, and all of those who have contributed to its century of service. 
Thank you for your inestimable contributions to our community. Once 
again, congratulations, and I wish you the very best as you strive for 
another 100 years of excellence.

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