[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15352]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2007

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the 25th 
anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County, founded 
in 1982. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth 
mentoring organization in the United States, and its Santa Cruz County 
chapter has served over 3,000 children in the last 25 years.
  For more than a quarter century this organization has created and 
nurtured one-on-one mentoring relationships between children and 
carefully screened adult mentors. The shared experiences between a Big 
Brother or Big Sister and his or her Little Brother or Sister have a 
documented Positive outcome in the child's life.
  Research and anecdotal evidence show that Little Brothers and Sisters 
are less likely to do drugs, drink alcohol, skip school, or engage in 
acts of violence. They have greater self-esteem, more success at 
school, and better relationships with their friends and family.
  In their testimonials, Big Brothers and Big Sisters also report a 
positive impact on their life. They say that they find a sense of 
purpose and satisfaction by helping and mentoring a young child through 
the difficulties of growing up. They value their experiences as highly 
as we value their service to the community. Thus, these relationships 
benefit everyone involved, including the mentor, the child, the family, 
and the community.
  Through its One-on-One Mentoring Program and After-School Enrichment 
and Mentoring Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters nurtures children as 
they grow up both socially and academically. The After-School 
Enrichment program assists children in their academic life by providing 
after-school tutoring in an array of topics including math, science, 
and writing. Additionally, the program brings in guest speakers to 
discuss issues involving academic, social, and leadership development.
  I would like to thank the many volunteers and staff who give their 
time and commitment to this wonderful program. Without their support, 
this program would not have been able to achieve the level of success 
it has over the past 25 years.
  Madam Speaker, on this joyous and historic occasion, it gives me 
great pleasure to present the congratulations of my colleagues in the 
House to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County.

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