[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 103 (Friday, July 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REPORT FROM INDIANA--WERNLE HOME

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 12, 1996

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my Report from 
Indiana. In the Second District of Indiana, I meet wonderful people, 
wonderful, kind and caring people, working day and night to help 
others.
  Individuals, like those involved with a very special place, Wernle 
Home, a children's orphanage that I visited just a few weeks ago in 
Richmond, IN. Everyone involved with the success of Wernle are Hoosier 
Heros in my book. Ruthie and I have visited our friends at Wernle on 
many occasions. And each time we meet loving workers and volunteers who 
care for battered and abused children.
  Several years ago, in my first visit, I formed a special friendship 
with a young boy staying at the home. We sat in his room, and he opened 
up his special drawer with all of his prized possessions. As he showed 
us his matchbox cars, and baseball cards, Ruthie asked him, one simple 
question. ``What's your favorite thing to do?'' His answer, remains in 
my heart, as clear today as it did back then. ``I want to be with my 
family.'' That brought tears to my eyes put a lump in my throat, and 
filled my heart with hope.
  The folks at Wernle Home, help kids like this young boy--and 
encourage them so they never give up hope for a brighter future.
  The Lutheran Church founded Wernle in 1879 as an orphanage. Today it 
assists children who have suffered from emotional, physical, and sexual 
abuse at the hands of others.
  I'd like to recognize and thank the volunteers and staff who make 
Wernle Home a huge success.
  Folks like, Rev. Paul Knecht. For over 40 years he has helped 
children with special emotional and behavioral needs. He believes in 
his heart that ``every child deserves a chance.'' Pat Mertz, ensures 
that Wernle has the financial stability it needs. He's known for 
swapping baseball cards with the boys. Pat makes an impact on their 
happiness. Judy Beeson, teaches handicapped children with a simple 
motto, ``You can always see a rainbow even in a tornado.''
  Vern Pittman, is a father figure to many of the boys. Billie Fisher 
and Paula Wright are affectionately referred to as Mom. And Reverend 
Jerald Rayl, for over 14 years has ensured that the children receive 
spiritual needs.
  And my good friend, Mike Wilson, has dedicated his life to raising 
the public awareness of Wernle throughout Indiana and Ohio. Cleo Lee 
makes sure the boys receive clothing, and this is no small task. Today 
there are over 110 children to care for. Craig Leavell, the director of 
recreation teaches the children who say, ``No, I can't,'' to discover, 
``Yes, I can.''
  Of course the true success of Wernle Home is found in the hearts of 
volunteers who make it possible. Irna Chase has faithfully made sure 
that cakes are delivered on birthday's. Forrest Fox, has formed a 
special grandfather-type relationship with one young boy at the Home. 
His love is crucial because the child has no parents, no family. 
Retired Judge Brandon Griffis, conducts discussions on the law and 
legal issues with the older boys. Al and Marilyn Young, continue to 
provide leadership and support to make Wernle Home successful.
  Now, I am only mentioning a few. The entire staff and all the 
volunteers at Wernle Home, are Hoosier Heros. They work very hard, to 
take these precious children in from the darkness of despair, and serve 
as a beacon of light. Showing them there is: Hope for tomorrow.
  That, Mr. Speaker, is my Report from Indiana.

       Names to be entered into Record:
       Rev. Paul Knecht, Pat Mertz, Judy Beeson, Nancy Carter, 
     Vern Pittman, Marvin Nesheim, Bille Fisher, Paula Wright, 
     Dick Harrell, Rev. Jerry Rayl, Cleo Lee, and Craig Leavell.
       Stan Thomas, Steve Tyler, Irna Chase, Amy Dillon, Forrest 
     Fox, Judge Brandon Griffis, Jr., Al and Marilyn Young, the 
     staff of WKBV/Hits 101.3 FM, Mike Wilson, and Kath Barker.

                          ____________________