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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1155-E1156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO THE ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF LOS ANGELES
______
HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Assistance
League of Los Angeles upon its centennial anniversary.
Beginning in the mid-1890s, Assistance League founder Anne Banning
and a small group of prominent Los Angeles women initiated a tradition
of benevolence and compassion by performing local relief work for those
underserved by conventional charities. By 1906, the group's
humanitarian efforts extended beyond Southern California to victims of
the devastating San Francisco earthquake.
[[Page E1156]]
Joined by her close friend and co-founder Ada Edwards Laughlin in 1919,
Mrs. Banning officially formed the Assistance League of Southern
California as part of the first wave of American nonprofits that
empowered ordinary citizens to serve their communities through long-
term volunteerism. As the organization expanded in the coming decades,
Mrs. Banning and Mrs. Laughlin founded the National Assistance League
in 1935, which today supports over 120 individual branches with the
Assistance League of Los Angeles as the founding chapter.
Over the last century, the Assistance League of Los Angeles has
responded effectively and compassionately to national, state and local
issues, staying true to Mrs. Banning's original vision, acting ``as a
friend at any and all times to men, women and children in need of care,
guidance and assistance, spiritually, materially and physically.'' The
League began by providing food and clothing to families severely
impacted by World War I and the Great Depression, before moving on to
organize blood drives supporting the Red Cross and holiday gift
exchanges for soldiers during World War II. Closer to home, the League
formed auxiliaries that tackled a diverse array of issues and broadened
the scope of the organization's assistance. Among their many
achievements, these auxiliaries organized day nurseries and preschool
programs, counseled families in need, provided clothing and supplies to
underserved schoolchildren, and raised funds through theater
performances, fashion shows, thrift stores, and other efforts.
Today, the Assistance League of Los Angeles continues its commitment
to helping the Los Angeles community, with eight auxiliaries conducting
six significant services. These services include The Preschool Learning
Center, Foster Children's Resource Center, Theatre for Children,
Hollywood Children's Club, and Operation School Bell support children
and families, giving future generations resources they need to succeed
and grow. Additionally, the Court Referred Volunteer Center enables
adults and youth convicted of infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies to
serve the community they have wronged as a more meaningful and
beneficial alternative to fines and incarceration.
I am honored to recognize the Assistance League of Los Angeles for
100 years of outstanding service to the greater Los Angeles community.
I ask all Members to join me in congratulating the Assistance League
for its remarkable achievements.
____________________
