[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1295]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                JANUARY, 2010: NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2010

  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of National 
Mentoring Month. On the 26 of January, this House passed a resolution 
supporting the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month, which we 
recognize each January. Last year I honored an organization that 
operates in and around the Eighth Congressional District that truly 
exemplified the spirit of selflessness and community that we look for 
in our Nation. This year, I've selected another honorable organization 
to highlight.
  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound is a wonderful organization. 
Despite rough economic times they have persevered and continue working 
to match boys and girls in Western Washington with willing and 
energetic mentors to build relationships that sometimes last a 
lifetime. In 2009 alone, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound made 
and funded more than 2,000 matches in Western Washington. ``Bigs'' head 
to their ``littles'' schools or neighborhoods to study or play. 
``Bigs'' in Western Washington may go to Safeco Field with their 
``little'' to watch the Mariners play, or board a ferry to get an up-
close glimpse of the beautiful Puget Sound.
  It is during difficult economic times that wonderful organizations 
such as Big Brothers Big Sister can ``slip under the radar'' and 
struggle mightily--and silently--while trying to achieve their goals. I 
encourage everyone to support your local chapter of Big Brothers Big 
Sisters, and any other businesses, or nonprofit, religious or civic 
organizations who put the youngest among us first. We all know the 
devastating stories of young people whose futures are derailed because 
of poor decision-making, violence, or apathy. Mentoring holds a remedy. 
Mentoring is proven to change lives--the lives of ``bigs'' and 
``littles'' alike.
  In 2009, Patrick D'Amelio took over for Tina Podlowski as President 
and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound. I look forward to 
working with Patrick on issues of mentoring and education, and I wish 
him all the best in the coming year. Again, I encourage this body to 
support mentoring across our great Nation, because the work done by our 
mentors is invaluable and lasting.