[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 57 (Thursday, March 31, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POLISH AND SLAVIC CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 31, 2022

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to the Polish and Slavic Center (PSC) on the occasion of its 
50th anniversary. For five decades, PSC has promoted the culture and 
heritage of Poland, whilst providing a broad range of services and 
opportunities to the Polish American community.
  Working alongside Polish immigrants who had just arrived in New York 
City, Reverend Longin Tolcyzk established PSC in 1972. In the 50 years 
since, PSC has expanded rapidly, becoming an important cultural 
institution for the Polish-American community in the tri-state area and 
has over 40,000 members.
  Over the course of this period, PSC has continuously expanded the 
services it provides to the local community. For over 48 years, the 
Extended Social Services Program has provided information and 
assistance for elderly Polish and Slavic-Americans, in matters as 
varied as social security, healthcare, and housing. PSC further assists 
seniors by providing daily low-cost meals at the Krakus Senior Center 
and John Paul II Friendship Center.
  Since 1994, PSC has expanded its reach by providing immigration and 
legal support. Through its bilingual services, PSC works to provide 
free legal aid to all members of the community. Beyond these services, 
PSC offers ESL classes each year to over 100 recently arrived 
immigrants, and a scholarship program for Polish and Slavic-American 
youth seeking higher education degrees.
  PSC works to provide enriching cultural experiences for all, 
partnering with both established and emerging Polish and Slavic-
American performers to host exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural 
events. PSC seeks to inspire creativity and confidence in the younger 
generation through programming for aspiring young artists.
  As PSC enters its sixth decade, it plans to continue expanding its 
services. A 3-K for All Preschool Program will serve the growing 
population of young Greenpoint families. PSC also plans to open a new 
cafeteria at its 177 Kent Street location. To enhance its cultural 
programming, PSC intends to renovate its old church premises into a 
modern venue for holding concerts, conferences, and community 
gatherings.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 
ongoing work of PSC for the Polish and Slavic-American community. For 
50 years, it has made a significant contribution in making New York the 
vibrant city of immigrants and diverse cultures that exemplifies the 
promise of the United States and the American Dream.