[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12292]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          HONORING THE BROOKLYN SCHOOL SETTLEMENT ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 1999

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the leaders and 
members of the School Settlement Association for ninety-eight years of 
service to the Brooklyn community. The work they have done over the 
years has had an impact on thousands and thousands of lives. They have 
seen the critical needs that exist in our communities and addressed 
them. They have stepped in and filled gaps where children and older 
people in our communities are at risk.
  Unlike so many others who have tried and failed, the School 
Settlement Association here in Brooklyn has succeeded. As the only 
remaining School Settlement Association in Brooklyn, their longevity is 
a testament to the strength of their vision, the importance of their 
mission, and the quality of their teachers, service providers and 
leaders.
  Not only have they remained strong for these ninety-eight years, but 
they have grown and expanded. Their initial objective of helping 
strengthen the attendance and performance of young students in school 
has broadened. Now, they successfully work to enhance children's health 
and nutritional needs. They have implemented summer and after-school 
programs, literacy programs, as well as college and career seminars 
that help students prepare for a successful future.
  In addition to this, their outreach now includes the needs of many of 
our community's older adults. Many of our seniors who might otherwise 
go without the proper medical assistance and healthcare services can 
safely rely on the School Settlement Home Attendant Service Corporation 
and home Health Care Service.
  Finally, as the scope of their mission has expended, so have the 
number of neighborhoods in which they operate. Originally founded in 
Ridgewood, they now reach out to Williamsburg, Greenpoint and other 
areas around Brooklyn. The large area they now help is reflective of 
the deep concern they have shown for everyone in our neighborhoods.
  As we look to the future, and they prepare to celebrate their 100th 
anniversary, on behalf of the 12th Congressional District, I want to 
thank them for all they have done. They have helped keep the fabric of 
our communities strong, and our future bright. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating the School Settlement Association. May their 
next 100 years be better than the last.

                          ____________________