[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 101 (Monday, July 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               UNITED WAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 9, 2012

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 125th 
anniversary of the world's largest privately supported not-for-profit 
organization, which now serves 1,800 communities in 41 countries and 
territories. The United Way is an organization created by a diverse 
group of leaders in 1887 in Denver, CO, with a goal of creating 
opportunities for a better life in their communities. Today, the United 
Way raises nearly $5 billion dollars annually with a mission to 
``improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around 
the world to advance the common good.'' In 2008, the United Way set in 
motion three specific goals of improving education, promoting healthy 
lives, and helping people achieve financial stability.
  Crisis response after the tsunami struck South Asia in 2004 and a 
youth-led program to rebuild the Gulf Coast after the hurricanes in 
2006 are just a few examples of how the organization has been committed 
to people in need both in the United States and internationally.
  Within the fifteenth district of Texas, the United Way has served 
more than 200,000 people and funded more than 100 programs in two 
counties. These programs vary from women's programs to Boy Scouts, and 
include community projects such as the purchase of school supplies to 
low income children. I hope that you will take a moment with me today, 
on the official United Way founder's day, to recognize and remember the 
great contribution the United Way has made to our community in the last 
125 years.

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