[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 5 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E80]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING STEPHEN LeBEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has 
dedicated himself to improving the quality of life in my hometown of 
Flint, Michigan. On January 23, 1998, Mr. Stephen LeBel will be the 
guest of honor as family and friends gather to celebrate his lifelong 
career in public service.
  Stephen LeBel has never once hesitated to reach out and help someone 
in need. In 1970, after graduating from Michigan State University, he 
found work in the Flint area as an Employment Counselor for the 
Michigan Employment Security Commission. While with the MESC, Stephen 
proved to be a valuable resource to Flint residents in the areas of 
placement services and vocational counseling and training. This led to 
a two-year stint as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the 
Michigan Department of Education. In 1975, Stephen began his career 
with Insight Recovery Center, a nonprofit substance abuse treatment 
agency. After a short break, Stephen returned to Insight in 1977 as 
Director of Alcoholism Services. His achievements were recognized when 
he was named President and Chief Executive Officer in 1980, a position 
he holds to this day.
  Since its inception in 1965, Insight Recovery Center has expanded its 
scope to include drug abuse and mental health services. This is due in 
large part to the exceptional leadership of Stephen LeBel. Over the 
years, Insight has established itself as Michigan's first independent 
facility to win accreditation by the Joint Commission on the 
Accreditation of Hospitals Organization. It has consistently been in 
the forefront of addiction treatment services.
  In addition to his work with Insight, Stephen's influence extends 
throughout the state as well as the nation. He is a co-founder of the 
Michigan Campaign for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Reform. He has 
been affiliated with such groups as the Michigan Health and Hospital 
Association, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, and 
the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Michigan. In 
the Flint community, Stephen has been associated with the Urban League 
of Flint and United Way. For all his efforts, he has been recognized by 
both houses of the Michigan Legislature. His expertise and guidance are 
much sought after by his colleagues.
  Mr. Speaker, many people, not only in the city of Flint, have been 
granted a new lease on life because of the dedication of Stephen LeBel. 
As it is our duty to preserve and protect the quality and dignity of 
life for our constituents, let us remember that our task is made easier 
by people like Stephen. I ask my colleagues in the 105th Congress to 
join me in acknowledging the accomplishments of Stephen LeBel. We owe 
him a debt of gratitude.

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