[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 193 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YWCA USA

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 160th 
anniversary of the YWCA USA. Since the first YWCA USA branch opened in 
1858, in my home state of New York, the organization has expanded to 
include 213 United States locations and its programs serve 2 million 
individuals nationwide. The YWCA USA has stayed true to its mission of 
eliminating racism and empowering women throughout its rich history.
  Many prominent social movements, past and present, have included 
activism from the YWCA USA. This includes advocacy for women's voting 
rights, civil rights, pay equity and gender-based violence prevention. 
With their voices at the forefront of many social issues, the YWCA USA 
is taking a stand for the rights of women across the country.
  In addition to advocacy, YWCA USA offers a wide variety of resources 
so women can reach their full potential. Financial literacy and job 
training are two such prominent programs offered by the YWCA USA. Women 
have the ability to secure economic opportunity and gain financial 
independence with the help of the skills developed with these 
resources.
  Furthermore, YWCA USA is committed to the higher education of young 
women. They have sought to increase female representation in the 
science, technology, engineering and math fields with their ``Girls in 
STEM'' courses, as well as financially support college-bound young 
women by providing 20,000 scholarships annually.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 160 years 
of the YWCA USA. I have witnessed the life-changing work carried out by 
the YWCA USA at the Onondaga County location in my district. The 
efforts of the YMCA USA have greatly advanced the lives of women in my 
district and across the United States. I encourage my fellow members in 
the House to support the mission of the YWCA USA, as well as 
organizations promoting a similar message of equality. Women are moving 
closer to equality in our society and with the help of groups like the 
YWCA USA, we can achieve that equality.

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