Honoring Community Action of Ventura County

Floor Speech

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Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Community Action of Ventura County on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. For five decades, this remarkable organization has promoted economic equality through an array of efforts to combat poverty in Ventura County.

Community Action of Ventura County was established in 1965 under the Economic Opportunity Act, one of the first federal anti-poverty programs in the United States. To this day, the organization's mission continues to be to serve as an auxiliary to assist poverty-stricken citizens in achieving self-sufficiency. Today, the organization has proven its effectiveness by reducing poverty rates across the region, and is a recognized leader among community-based organizations.

The services that Community Action of Ventura County provides to residents of our community have been invaluable in assisting those who live below the poverty line. Serving approximately 8,000 clients every year through impactful programs, Community Action of Ventura County has been instrumental in the effort to reduce poverty and economic inequality in Ventura County. With committed and steadfast board members, staff, and volunteers, all working toward the goal of lifting people out of poverty, this organization positively impacts our community through partnership building and advocacy for measures to help low-income individuals and families survive and rise up above poverty.

In its fifty years of service, Community Action of Ventura County has also implemented other important programs such as Los Compadres and Successful Living. Los Compadres and Successful Living aim to work with high risk youth by providing mentors and instructional sessions that teach young people to make responsible decisions and achieve economic success. The organization has not only granted financial assistance to the community, they provide resources to those in need to promote upward mobility, be self-sufficient, and lead successful lives.

For these reasons, I am honored to recognize Community Action of Ventura County on their 50th anniversary. It is with sincere gratitude that I commend Community Action of Ventura County for its continued success and service to our community.

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