[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO ``CONCERN FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 1997

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding organization that for 25 years has provided housing and 
career opportunities that have enabled Long Islanders who are 
recovering from psychiatric disabilities to realize their full 
potential as productive, happy members of the community.
  Founded in 1972, Concern for Independent Living provides an 
empowering and supportive environment for our Long Island neighbors who 
are working to achieve a level of independence in the community. As the 
New York State psychiatric system closes its large hospitals and 
evolves towards a community-based approach, groups like Concern for 
Independent Living are critical components in the patient care effort 
for the 21st century.
  Started as a patient advocacy group known as the Concerned Parents 
and Friends of Central Islip State Hospital, Concern now provides an 
array of housing opportunities that are based on the consumer 
empowerment model, whereby residents participate in all levels of 
management and comprise the majority of the home's board of directors.
  To help clients assimilate into the community, Concern offers housing 
options that range from highly supervised community residences to 
independent living in apartments and single-family homes throughout 
Suffolk County. Family, staff, and referral services work together to 
place clients in the environment that best meets their rehabilitative 
needs.
  Residents of Concern's housing program are also offered vocational 
opportunities that provides them with real-life training in the 
business world. Starting with its first job training initiative, a 
thrift shop program in Central Islip, Concern opened a client-run home, 
lawn, and garden maintenance business in April 1993. Also placing 
qualified clients at other, privately operated businesses, Concern 
offers its residents the invaluable experience of meeting work 
responsibilities and the satisfaction of knowing that they are a 
valued, contributing member of the Long Island community.
  Mr. Speaker, the programs and opportunities provided by Concern for 
Independent Living are true models for government-supported, privately 
operated nonprofit endeavors. They demonstrate that public investment 
in our communities, when administered in a thoughtful, consumer-focused 
approach, can make a truly positive impact in the lives of America's 
citizens. That is why I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join me in saluting Concern for Independent Living 
on its 25th anniversary celebration. We are fortunate to have them in 
Suffolk County.

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