[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 20 (Monday, February 5, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H411-H412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION IN OIL CITY

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Young Women's Christian Association of Oil City, in Venango County, 
or more widely known as the YWCA, as they celebrate their 100th 
anniversary.

[[Page H412]]

  In 1922, Olive Bailey Shaffer proposed the idea of establishing a 
YWCA in Oil City. Two years later, on June 24, 1924, with 450 charter 
members enrolled, the Oil City YWCA was founded.
  To sustain the organization and their mission, members of the YWCA 
raised more than $10,000 in their first year. Following these efforts, 
the Oil City YWCA received their national charter on December 24, 1924.
  Over the years, the YWCA continued to grow and establish strong roots 
in the community. What started as humble beginnings led the chapter to 
the Samuel L. Maxwell Home at 109 Central Avenue, which remains the 
current home.
  This location continued to grow with the chapter with multiple 
renovations and additions over the 100 years. The group now uses this 
location to host programming and advocacy to generate institutional 
change in three key areas--racial justice and civil rights, empowerment 
and economic advancement, and health and safety of women and girls.
  Today, the YWCA stands true to their mission to eliminate racism, 
empower women, stand for social justice, help families, and strengthen 
communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the women of the Young Women's Christian 
Association of Oil City on this monumental anniversary. May they 
continue their good work for the next 100 years.

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