[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  CONGRESSMAN KILDEE HONORS CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF OAKLAND COUNTY

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 23, 1997

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize 
Catholic Social Services of Oakland County for 50 years of dedicated 
service to our community. As a Member of Congress I consider it my duty 
and my privilege to work on behalf of the American family. It is in 
this spirit that I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting an 
organization that is on the frontlines everyday working to protect and 
preserve families.
  In 1947, the Archdiocese of Detroit gave Catholic Social Services of 
Oakland County space above a downtown Pontiac drug store. During the 
1950's a new office was established in Pontiac's historical district, 
with subsequent openings in Farmington, Royal Oak, Southfield, and 
Waterford. With its 6 offices operating throughout the county and a 
staff of 140, over 8,000 people every year have benefited from Catholic 
Social Services' programs, resources, and activities. Many of the 
group's accomplishments were the result of the selfless dedication of 
the late Leonard Jagels. Mr. Jagels had been a mainstay since 1949 and 
served as executive director for many years. His work has left a 
lasting impression on the organization.
  Catholic Social Services has maintained a tradition of providing 
prompt and effective service to individuals through community outreach, 
outpatient treatment and in-home programs, and child placement 
programs. The Families and Schools Together Program, the Foster 
Grandparent Program, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and the 
Older Adult Day Care Program are just a few of the programs 
administered by Catholic Social Services. In addition to their services 
for at-risk children, the group's outpatient and in-home programs are a 
valuable resource, always on hand for clinical, family, mental health, 
and substance abuse counseling. Finally, the organization participates 
in child placement programs, acting as an advocate in matters of 
special needs adoption, post adoption services, and foster care.
  Catholic Social Services is more than just one organization, but 
rather an integral part of a tremendous service network, one that 
includes United Way of Oakland County, United Way Community Services, 
Catholic Charities USA, and the Michigan Federation of Private Child 
and Family Agencies. Working together to achieve common goals these 
organizations serve as an inspiration to us all. The dedicated 
individuals who work with these organizations deserve our gratitude for 
in my eyes they are true heroes.
  Mr. Speaker, without a doubt, our community is a much better place in 
which to live because of the 50 years of service, love and support from 
Catholic Social Services of Oakland County. I urge my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Catholic Social 
Services on a fulfilling 50 years, and in wishing them even greater 
success in the years ahead.

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