[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING BIENVENIDOS' 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Bievenidos, an organization dedicated to healing children, 
strengthening families and transforming communities in Los Angeles, on 
their 25th anniversary.
  Bienvenidos opened its doors in June of 1987 to a young child, 
Miracle, to begin addressing the growing number of abused and neglected 
infants and toddlers in Los Angeles County. From the outset, they 
realized that children who do not have the care, guidance and support 
they need are less likely to grow into successful, self-sufficient and 
productive adolescents and adults.
  Bienvenidos has spent the last 25 years developing comprehensive 
services for children and families and promoting long-term positive 
outcomes. The array of programs and services they provide are designed 
to heal children and families in crisis, as well as break generational 
cycles of abuse, neglect and other dysfunctional behaviors.
  As a pillar in greater East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, 
Bienvenidos has made it a priority to develop roots within the 
community by leading collaborative initiatives, engaging community 
residents to develop services and resources in response to their needs, 
and bringing funding into the area. Today, Bienvenidos serves more than 
19,000 children and their families through the dedicated work of 200 
professional staff at 12 locations.
  Ultimately, what sets Bienvenidos apart is their ability to give hope 
to those who have all but lost it. Bienvenidos gives people the tools 
and coping skills they need to become self-sufficient, and through the 
love and support of their staff, they give them someone who believes in 
them.
  I once again congratulate Bienvenidos on the celebration of their 
25th anniversary. I thank them for their continued service to the 
children and families of Los Angeles and their dedication to making our 
community a better place to live.

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