[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 177 (Tuesday, November 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         YWCA 160TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 6, 2018

  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Young Women's 
Christian Association (YWCA) as it celebrates 160 years of service 
dedicated to supporting women, girls, and their families across the 
United States.
  Throughout its history, the YWCA has been at the forefront of the 
most critical social movements of the time, including civil rights, 
women's empowerment, pay equity, health care reform, and gender-based 
violence prevention.
  The YWCA serves over two million women, girls, and their families 
each year, with 210 local associations across 46 states and the 
District of Columbia. The YWCA is the largest network of domestic 
violence and sexual assault service providers in the country, reaching 
over half a million women and girls annually.
  In my hometown of Dayton, Ohio, the YWCA has been a champion in the 
community since 1870 on behalf of women and families seeking to escape 
homelessness and domestic violence.
  The Dayton YWCA's mission of empowering women and eliminating racism 
is displayed through the programs and services it provides, including 
the only emergency shelter service programs for women and families who 
are victims of domestic violence in Montgomery and Preble Counties; a 
confidential 24-hour crisis hotline; and a mentoring program for teen 
girls, which inspires them to explore and achieve their highest 
potential.
  In 1893, the Dayton YWCA became the first YWCA in the United States 
with an officially organized program for African-American women and 
girls.
  As mayor of the city of Dayton, and as a Member of Congress, I have 
been proud to recognize the important contributions made by the Miami 
Valley's most influential women, who have made a difference in our 
community through their dedication to the YWCA's mission of 
``empowering women, eliminating racism and promoting peace, justice, 
freedom and dignity for all.''
  Each year the YWCA Women of Achievement Award is presented to a 
select group of distinguished Dayton-area women, at a ceremony that 
coincides with our annual observance of Women's History Month. It has 
been my privilege to congratulate a number of these recipients, who 
embody the YWCA's 160-year mission to eliminate racism and empower 
other women.
  Mr. Speaker, as the YWCA celebrates its 160th anniversary, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding organization, 
which has worked so hard to improve the lives of women and girls in my 
community, and across our nation.

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