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Public Comment. Sherry Squire Mitchell, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Francisco and the Peninsula, read an excerpt of a letter from a parent of a child involved as a mentee in their program. Michelle Smith, representing Friends for Youth, stated that she has had the privilege to see the work of the mentors and being a part of the growth of these local young children despite the challenges they encounter at home, school or the community. She shared some successes of the junior friends. Ms. Smith thanked the Council for helping to allow the friendships to happen by providing the wonderful opportunities for the junior friends in Redwood City. Becky Cooper, Executive Director of Friends for Youth program, stated that after her 24 years she thanked the Council and City for the support of the non - profit groups. She stated that she is a long -term resident of Redwood City and has seen both professionally and personally, the results of the youth and mentors who continue lifelong friendships with their mentors, graduating from college, and starting families of their own. She stated that in these economic times, the investment in cost effective prevention programs can have a particularly significant long -term impact. Annette Passalacqua, speaking on behalf of Youth and Family Assistance, thanked Council for the support of Your House South and the Crisis Center. She gave statistics related to the services provided by the program. The request equals 3% of their budget and asked that Council continue to support the Redwood City residents and thanked them for their past support. Julie Wesolek, representing the YMCA, thanked Council for the past support of the after school licensed childcare program. She stated that the dollars allocated by the City are leveraged by personal contributions that have been solicited. The YMCA childcare program provides financial assistance for low income families that assist them in allowing them to continue school and work to change their future. Kitty Lopez, Executive Director of the Samaritan House Free Medical Center, thanked Council for past support and consideration of this request. She stated that the center serves the City with free medical services for people who have no other place to go and no health insurance. Diane Redmond, a resident of Redwood City, stated that the last two years she has been a patient of the center and suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. She stated that in November, her mobile home burned down and she went to the center for assistance and without their help she would not be here today. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 30, 2003 PAGE 6 MINUTES Book No. 59 Page No. 501