[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12114]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE CENTRAL CONNECTICUT COAST YMCA ON THEIR 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 11, 2009

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have this opportunity to 
rise and extend my sincere congratulations to the Central Connecticut 
Coast YMCA as they celebrate their 150th Anniversary--a remarkable 
milestone for an outstanding organization.
  The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA has become an institution in the 
Greater New Haven community. What began as the effort of a small group 
of local businessmen has today grown into an organization with twelve 
branches, serving more than 75,000 people in twenty-five communities. 
The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA offers a myriad of programs for 
children, families, as well as adults--continuing in their founders' 
vision of identifying and addressing unmet needs within the community. 
Although the work of the YMCA has changed over the years, from teaching 
English to immigrants at the turn of the 20th century to teaching 
values to modern day youth, they continue to provide programs and 
services that enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for 
all.
  The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA has a vision for the community--to 
advocate for those whose voices are seldom heard, improve 
neighborhoods, and build strong kids, strong families, and strong 
communities. From after-school childcare to summer camp and preschool 
programs to year-round swim lessons for all ages, the CCC YMCA offers 
our young people programs designed to help them develop strong 
foundations on which to build their future success. The CCC YMCA has 
created parent-child fitness classes to encourage families to exercise 
together, youth sports programs with parents interacting as coaches as 
well as cheering from the sidelines, and have most recently begun 
programs promoting and supporting healthy family lifestyles. The 
Central Connecticut Coast YMCA has created an environment where 
families have the opportunity to spend quality time together.
  The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is also a strong partner in 
providing a continuum of care to individuals and families who have 
become homeless. It is the largest provider of supportive housing in 
Fairfield County and operates the only family emergency shelter in the 
City of Bridgeport. In just this past year alone, they provided housing 
to 892 individuals, including more than 400 children. And they are 
providing so much more than simply shelter from the elements and a 
place to lay one's head. Their supportive services include case 
management, job training, and continuing education classes. It is 
through this holistic approach that so many in need are finding the 
resources necessary to rebuild their lives, provide for their families, 
and contribute to the community.
  For one hundred-fifty years, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA has 
been there for our children and families. Its great success would not 
be possible without the dedication and commitment of its Board of 
Directors, Managers, Trustees, staff and volunteers--past and present--
who remain vigilant in their mission. Their compassion, generosity, and 
vision have guided this organization and I am proud to have this 
opportunity to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to them for 
all of their good work.
  Today, as the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA celebrates its 150th 
Anniversary, I am pleased to rise not only congratulate the 
organization on this remarkable milestone, but thank them for the many 
invaluable contributions they have made which have gone a long way in 
shaping the very character of our community. Congratulations and best 
wishes for many more years of continued success!

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