[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5925]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE WORK OF YOUTH SERVICE, INC. OF PHILADELPHIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHAKA FATTAH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 14, 2008

  Mr. FATTAH. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me today 
in commemorating the 125th anniversary of the National Florence 
Crittenton Foundation. I am equally pleased to recognize the 
organization's deep roots in Philadelphia through Youth Service, Inc. 
and the tremendous work that has been accomplished on behalf of young 
women and girls in crisis.
   One hundred and sixteen years ago, Charles Crittenton founded the 
7th Mission Home in center city Philadelphia. The Mission later moved 
to the Germantown section of North Philadelphia. During that time, it 
sheltered young, unwed mothers and provided counseling, parenting 
workshops, and adoption services. Over the years, as the shifting 
population of Philadelphia diversified, so did the services at the 
Crittenton site. What remained constant, however, was the commitment to 
meeting the needs of youth in crisis.
  The core principles of the Crittenton Mission are exemplified in 
Youth Service, Inc.'s mother & baby group home. Located in West 
Philadelphia, the home serves expectant and teenage mothers that are 
unable to remain in their own homes due to conditions of abuse, neglect 
or abandonment. It offers a structured, nurturing environment, where 
young women receive comprehensive support and the tools necessary to 
become self sufficient adults and responsible parents.
  The original Crittenton site has remained a fixture in the Germantown 
community for more than eighty years. Currently, it operates as the 
Crittenton Family Support Center of Youth Service, Inc. and provides 
vital support services for women, children and families.
  In an area where many residents experience limited opportunities for 
academic and occupational advancement, the services provided at the 
Crittenton Family Support Center are of critical importance. For 
infants and young children, Youth Service, Inc. operates the only 
Crisis Nursery Programs in Philadelphia, with sites in Germantown and 
Mantua, respectively.
  On behalf of my constituents, I am proud to represent Youth Service, 
Inc. and to share in their history and dedication to the people of our 
community and to future generations of Philadelphians.

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