[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 42 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E623-E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE BAYONNE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER: CELEBRATING 25 
           YEARS OF INVALUABLE SERVICE TO THE CITY OF BAYONNE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
exceptional organization, the Bayonne Community Mental Health Center 
which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This achievement will be 
recognized at a celebration to be held the evening of April 12 at the 
Hi-Hat Caterers in Bayonne.
  A quarter century ago, an exceptional group of concerned women 
recognized a need in the Bayonne community for mental health services. 
A place was envisioned where not a single person would be denied health 
services, regardless of his ability to provide payment for these 
valuable services. Through dedication and a commitment to excellence, 
the dream became a reality in the form of the Bayonne Community Mental 
Health Center.
  Twenty-five years ago, people with a mental or psychological 
disability were often shunned by others within their communities. 
Through the efforts of the Bayonne Community Mental Health Center, this 
perception has been greatly reversed. In its first year, the center 
provided almost 300 mental health visits for the residents of the 
Bayonne community. By 1996, this number had grown to more than 16,000 
people availing themselves of the services on a yearly basis. The 
extraordinarily qualified staff of therapists and psychiatrists at the 
center offer comprehensive and personalized care covering a full 
spectrum of psychological illnesses.
  Missions as important as that of the Bayonne Community Mental Health 
Center are never accomplished by one person. Each staff member has 
played a vital role in serving the

[[Page E624]]

community. Chief among these individuals are the past presidents of the 
Bayonne Community Mental Health Center including: Rose Donski, Gloria 
Koenig, Ethel Rosenthal, Harold Strohefer, Leonard Kiczek, William 
Downey, Mary Brennan, and Peter Anastas. Their work is continued by 
current president Agnes Mangelli.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the outstanding 
contributions made by the Bayonne Community Mental Health Center to the 
people of Bayonne. The well being of all residents of the area has been 
enhanced by the invaluable work of the center's dedicated individuals. 
It is an honor to have such an outstanding organization working on 
behalf of the residents of my district.

                          ____________________