[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 168 (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     160TH ANNIVERSARY OF YWCA USA

 Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I want to proudly applaud the 
work of YWCA USA as they celebrate an incredible milestone. For 160 
years, they have been at the forefront of the Nation's most critical 
movements. They have led the charge in women's empowerment, the fight 
against racism and discrimination, and efforts to strengthen families 
and communities. From voting rights to civil rights, from affordable 
housing to pay equity, from violence prevention to healthcare reform, 
YWCA has been a force for progress for 160 years.
  With the help of 210 local associations, across 46 States and the 
District of Columbia, this organization continues to serve over 2 
million women, girls, and their families each year. Being one of the 
largest networks for domestic violence and sexual assault services in 
the country, the YWCA reaches over half a million women and girls 
annually. Furthermore, community YWCA associations reach over 260,000 
women with economic empowerment programs and over 160,000 people 
through their racial justice education and training programs.
  In my home State of North Dakota, the YWCA Cass Clay and the YWCA 
Minot have been a trusted place for women and children to turn as they 
escape violence, homelessness, and crisis. Through these services, they 
are fulfilling their mission to provide safety, security, and hope to 
those who need it most.
  When I came to the Senate, the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, 
was the first bill that I cosponsored, and I am proud that it worked to 
give victims of abuse the resources they need to seek justice and 
recover for the trauma they experienced. I am still working to prevent 
those programs from expiring, and I am proud that the North Dakota 
chapters of YWCA have helped protect women and children, especially in 
the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities.
  I am grateful for my partnership with YWCA in advocating for children 
who have experienced trauma. Traumatic experiences, like abuse or a 
parent's substance use disorder, can lead to health and behavior 
complications later in life. Children and youth who have experienced 
four or more traumatic events are three times more at risk of heart 
disease or lung cancer, while those who have experienced six or more 
traumatic events are 30 times more likely to attempt suicide. The YWCA 
has promoted my Trauma Informed Care for Children and Families Act, 
which is a critical step to address childhood trauma in the United 
States.
  I will continue to stand in solidarity with the YWCA in North Dakota 
and the rest of the country in strong support of their mission to 
eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help 
families, and strengthen communities.
  Congratulations to the YWCA on 160 years of improving the lives of 
women and girls all over the country.

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