[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING IDA ECKHAUS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 1997

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ida Eckhaus, a pioneer 
in providing community living for people with mental disabilities.
  Mrs. Eckhaus has always been committed to bringing vital services to 
the people of New York City. Through her efforts, she was one of the 
founding members of APRIL, the Association of Parents for 
Rehabilitation and Independent Living. She and her husband Sam, along 
with three other couples, got together with the simple plan of 
obtaining housing for persons who suffered mental illnesses. In those 
meetings, they found there were many more needs for the mentally ill. 
Out of those meetings, the organization grew to become one of the 
largest affiliated in the State.
  In addition to her community advocacy, she enjoyed working with 
families and their loved ones. For years her personal telephone at home 
was a crisis hotline. No hour was too late, no problem too difficult, 
no person too distraught for her. She was always there to help in any 
way she could. Even after the installation of the APRIL Hotline, Mrs. 
Eckhaus continued to take her calls at home.
  Mrs. Eckhaus was a person of superlatively high standards, complete 
integrity, and boundless enthusiasm for whatever task she undertook. 
Throughout here service, she also served on numerous boards including 
the Institute for Community Living and AMI/New York State and she also 
founded Summit House of Brooklyn.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mrs. Ida Eckhaus and all her 
contributions to the community of Brooklyn.

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