[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9679]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE YWCA EL PASO DEL NORTE REGION'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 2009

  Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the YWCA's El Paso del Norte Region. Since April 8, 
1909, this exemplary organization has helped many women and their 
families reach their fullest potential.
  In its 100 years of service to the region, the YWCA El Paso del Norte 
exemplifies the positive impact volunteerism and service to others can 
have on a community. For years, the YWCA has played a major role in 
addressing the various socioeconomic challenges faced by women and 
minorities throughout our Nation. The personal experiences of many 
individuals in my district show how our local YWCA has brought to life 
its mission of empowering women and their families as well as promoting 
equal opportunities for all.
  Every year, the lives of more than 62,000 people in the 17 counties 
of west Texas and southern New Mexico are touched by the volunteers and 
staff of the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region. Our local chapter places a 
great value on building up and strengthening families by providing 
women of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds with the support they 
need. Using a holistic approach, the services and programs of the YWCA 
El Paso del Norte Region promote the overall well-being of women and 
their families in order to provide opportunities for women to help 
themselves and each other. This unique environment allows women and 
girls from all walks of life to come together to develop life skills, 
as well as discover and develop their personal strengths. All of these 
efforts lead to lasting positive changes in their lives and their 
entire communities.
  The good work done by our local YWCA chapter has inspired many of my 
constituents to give back to their community through volunteer work and 
community service. In the El Paso region, over 200 volunteers 
generously dedicate more than 40,000 hours every year to the YWCA El 
Paso del Norte Region. One of the many important lessons this group of 
dedicated individuals has instilled in my community is that creating a 
stronger, more united community begins with building up our youth and 
their families.
  Today, I am proud to recognize and express my deep gratitude for the 
100 years of service and contributions of the YWCA El Paso del Norte 
Region. My Congressional district is fortunate to have an organization 
such as this one, and I am hopeful that the next 100 years will be as 
robust and successful as the first.

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