[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Pages 3797-3798]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YWCA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to recognize 
the 100th anniversary of the YWCA of San Diego County. On Tuesday, 
March 11, 2008, YWCA of San Diego County and community members will 
gather to celebrate this momentous occasion.
  The YWCA is the largest and oldest multicultural women's organization 
in the world. The YWCA was formed in 1855 in London by Emma Robarts and 
Mrs. Arthur Kinnaird. The YWCA later expanded to the United States in 
1858 in New York and Boston. Today it serves as the largest 
organization dedicated to empowering women and provide an important 
voice for women at local, state, and international levels. YWCA of San 
Diego County is one of 300 local associations in the United States.
  YWCA of San Diego County was formally incorporated in 1908. For the 
past 100 years, YWCA has been a champion in the community on behalf of 
women and families who escape homelessness and domestic violence. The 
mission of YWCA ``is to increase safety, promote healing, foster 
empowerment, and give hope to women and families through innovative 
programs'' and services.
  The dedication of the YWCA to its mission is displayed through the 
programs and services that the YWCA provides. These programs and 
services include residential programs like transitional housing and 
emergency shelter, legal support, career assistance, counseling, and a 
telephone hotline. All of these programs are designed to support the 
needs of women and families coping with domestic violence and 
homelessness.

[[Page 3798]]

  Through a variety of programs such as Becky's House emergency shelter 
the YWCA of San Diego County is able to offer confidential, 
transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and their 
children. Various services like, legal assistance and counseling is 
provided to the residents of the emergency shelter. After the residents 
complete a 30 day stay at the shelter they are given the opportunity to 
complete an 18-month residential program at Becky's House. This program 
provides legal assistance, educational and career counseling, case 
management, and educational and play activities for the children of the 
women in the program.
  More than 70 percent of the 2,000 individuals the YWCA of San Diego 
County serve each year are able to obtain employment and permanent 
housing, so that the individual can sustain a secure, independent way 
of life.
  YWCA of San Diego County has set a wonderful example of philanthropy, 
civic service, and altruism for the community at large. Organizations 
such as the YWCA should be recognized for the critical role they play 
in strengthening women and families in California and the United States 
of America. I salute the men and women of YWCA for their continuous 
commitment to the betterment of women and families in crisis and 
efforts to enrich the broader San Diego community.
  I congratulate the YWCA of San Diego County on the celebration of its 
100th anniversary. I wish them continued success.

                          ____________________