[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1155-E1156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO THE ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF LOS ANGELES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2019

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Assistance 
League of Los Angeles upon its centennial anniversary.
   Beginning in the mid-1890s, Assistance League founder Anne Banning 
and a small group of prominent Los Angeles women initiated a tradition 
of benevolence and compassion by performing local relief work for those 
underserved by conventional charities. By 1906, the group's 
humanitarian efforts extended beyond Southern California to victims of 
the devastating San Francisco earthquake.

[[Page E1156]]

Joined by her close friend and co-founder Ada Edwards Laughlin in 1919, 
Mrs. Banning officially formed the Assistance League of Southern 
California as part of the first wave of American nonprofits that 
empowered ordinary citizens to serve their communities through long-
term volunteerism. As the organization expanded in the coming decades, 
Mrs. Banning and Mrs. Laughlin founded the National Assistance League 
in 1935, which today supports over 120 individual branches with the 
Assistance League of Los Angeles as the founding chapter.
   Over the last century, the Assistance League of Los Angeles has 
responded effectively and compassionately to national, state and local 
issues, staying true to Mrs. Banning's original vision, acting ``as a 
friend at any and all times to men, women and children in need of care, 
guidance and assistance, spiritually, materially and physically.'' The 
League began by providing food and clothing to families severely 
impacted by World War I and the Great Depression, before moving on to 
organize blood drives supporting the Red Cross and holiday gift 
exchanges for soldiers during World War II. Closer to home, the League 
formed auxiliaries that tackled a diverse array of issues and broadened 
the scope of the organization's assistance. Among their many 
achievements, these auxiliaries organized day nurseries and preschool 
programs, counseled families in need, provided clothing and supplies to 
underserved schoolchildren, and raised funds through theater 
performances, fashion shows, thrift stores, and other efforts.
   Today, the Assistance League of Los Angeles continues its commitment 
to helping the Los Angeles community, with eight auxiliaries conducting 
six significant services. These services include The Preschool Learning 
Center, Foster Children's Resource Center, Theatre for Children, 
Hollywood Children's Club, and Operation School Bell support children 
and families, giving future generations resources they need to succeed 
and grow. Additionally, the Court Referred Volunteer Center enables 
adults and youth convicted of infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies to 
serve the community they have wronged as a more meaningful and 
beneficial alternative to fines and incarceration.
   I am honored to recognize the Assistance League of Los Angeles for 
100 years of outstanding service to the greater Los Angeles community. 
I ask all Members to join me in congratulating the Assistance League 
for its remarkable achievements.

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