[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15849-15850]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  REMINDING AMERICANS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS AND 
                 CELEBRATING COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2014

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, community foundations epitomize 
the philanthropic culture of the United States. Established in 1989, 
Community Foundation Week takes place from November 12-18th annually 
and honors the tremendous contributions of community foundations across 
our country. They hold a unique place in American society and provide 
hope and opportunity to millions of Americans. One hundred years ago, 
the world's first community foundation was established in Cleveland, 
Ohio. Since then more than 700 community foundations have been created 
in America inspiring millions of Americans to give back to this great 
country with their time, talent and treasure.
  Today, I would like to recognize the work of Indiana's community 
foundations that operate under the definitions supported by he National 
Standards for Community Foundations. Indiana is blessed to have a 
community foundation in every county, including nine in my district: 
Community Foundation of Howard County; Community Foundation of Grant 
County; Blackford County Community Foundation; Tipton County Community 
Foundation; Madison County Community Foundation; South Madison County 
Community Foundation; Legacy Fund; Community Foundation of Boone 
County; and The Indianapolis Foundation.
  These foundations are a model for how philanthropy can inspire 
communities to come together in support of a common cause. The Legacy 
Fund, the community foundation serving Hamilton County and an affiliate 
of Central Indiana Community Foundation, is helping to meet the needs 
of at-risk students in the county through the Youth Assistance Program 
(YAP). This innovative program is serving as a critical connector to 
keep students and their families on the right track. In collaboration 
with the county judicial system, schools, youth programs, law 
enforcement, and city leaders, students displaying negative behavior or 
facing a challenging situation at home or school are referred to YAP. 
The program in turn connects students to appropriate programs, classes, 
mentoring relationships, emergency supports, or counseling services, 
and families may be referred to services as well. All of this leads to 
an ultimate goal of self-sufficiency for families and keeping youth out 
of the judicial system at a young age.
  This is just one example of the extraordinary work of place-based 
philanthropy in local communities throughout the country. The spirit of 
generosity embodied by over 700 U.S.-based community foundations is a 
core American value. This week, I am honored to recognize

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these community foundations for their outstanding efforts.

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