[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 30, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YWCA GREATER LOS ANGELES

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                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2018

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the YWCA 
Greater Los Angeles (YWCA GLA) as it celebrates its 125th anniversary.
  In September 1894, the YWCA GLA opened its doors to serve the needs 
of women and their families. The organization's mission was to create 
pathways for growth, for eliminating racism, and for empowering women. 
Its educational offerings included classes in cooking, languages, 
stenography, and elocution. From those modest beginnings, the YWCA GLA 
has grown into a local colossus, and has provided an astonishing array 
of services to generations of Southern Californians.
  From Downtown L.A. to Watts, from Boyle Heights to the San Fernando 
Valley, the YWCA GLA has given help and hope to local residents. It has 
been an active force for racial justice, HIV/AIDS education, infant 
learning, and the prevention of sexual assault and sex trafficking. 
Young people have been able to access affordable housing thanks to YWCA 
GLA residence buildings. Even amid the heartbreaking relocation of 
Japanese Americans by the U.S. government in World War II, the YWCA GLA 
was offering help to those in need, assisting Japanese American women 
and girls at ten relocation sites.
  Today, the YWCA GLA continues to inspire us with its determination to 
better our communities. It impacts more than 100,000 individuals each 
year through services including affordable child care, after-school 
youth programs, economic empowerment, job training and housing, senior 
engagement, and sexual assault crisis services. In addition, the YWCA 
GLA engages in advocacy, working with community members to communicate 
loud, clear, effective messages on important legislation.
  One of its largest programs, YWCA GLA Job Corps Services, provides a 
second chance in life to young students who are at risk, are previously 
homeless, or are emancipated foster children. Job Corps Services has 
been an amazing resource for helping these youth become self-sufficient 
and gainfully employed members of our society. The program, which has 
been co-ed since 1977, assists them with housing, medical costs, meals, 
life skills, and educational services including job training and online 
degrees.
  The YWCA GLA's activities span many locations across the Los Angeles 
area, including its seven-story Urban Campus in Downtown L.A., which 
was funded in part by an $82 million grant from the U.S. Department of 
Labor. I was privileged to sign a beam of the building at its topping-
off ceremony. Dedicated just six years ago, this campus features a 
state-of-the-art library, residential units, modernized health 
facilities, indoor lounges, classrooms, an amphitheater, and more. With 
locations like this Urban Campus, the YWCA GLA will stay at the 
forefront of the fight to make sure L.A. residents are safe, smart, and 
well-prepared for the wonders and challenges that the 21st century will 
continue to bring.
  As the YWCA GLA celebrates its 125th anniversary, its accomplishments 
are far too numerous to list here. Its long list of successes is due, 
in no small part, to the fearless and stalwart leadership of CEO Faye 
Washington and the YWCA GLA staff. Faye and her team provide their 
clients with the best training and counseling possible, and constantly 
raise the bar to ensure their clients' success.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the YWCA-
Greater Los Angeles for all it does for women, children and youth. Let 
us congratulate it on 125 years of fighting to better our communities 
and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

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