[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 26 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     HONORING THE JEWISH HOME FOR THE AGED ON ITS 85TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
honor an organization that has been an invaluable asset to the New 
Haven, Connecticut community since its inception 85 years ago--the 
Jewish Home for the Aged.
  In October, the Jewish Home for the Aged celebrated 85 years of care 
and service to the elderly of our community. Founded by the Sisters of 
Zion, what began as a small sanctuary for poor, elderly Jewish men and 
women without families, has grown into a distinguished and highly 
respected nursing care facility. Over the years, the home has worked 
diligently to address the ever-changing needs of our aging population. 
Throughout its history, quality care has been their prime goal, 
constantly expanding both in space and services.
  Through personal appeals and their first Charity Ball, in 1916 the 
Sisters of Zion were able to raise the funds necessary to purchase a 
wood house at 169 Davenport Avenue in New Haven, giving the Jewish Home 
for the Aged its first residence. In its formative years, the Jewish 
Home for the Aged was run completely by women, an unique undertaking 
given the times. Every succession of Board members has had to grapple 
with the financial realities of caring for the elderly. As a non-
profit, the Home has had extraordinary success through a myriad of 
fund-raising efforts, a strong tradition that continues today. 
Throughout its rich history, the remarkable success of the Jewish Home 
for the Aged has been due to the strong leadership and dedication of 
the staff and administration--our sincere thanks to them for all of 
their extraordinary efforts.
  This past year, the Home suffered an enormous loss with the 
unexpected passing of its Executive Director, and my dear friend, Rick 
Wallace. Rick was an incredible leader, committed to overcoming the 
massive changes and rising costs in health care that have impeded our 
seniors from accessing quality care. He held a strong belief that in 
order to meet these new challenges, Jewish organizations throughout the 
community would have to work together to provide their residents with a 
continuum of care. Dedicated to the Home's future success, Rick ensured 
that the Home was a founding member of the Jewish Care Network. Rick 
dedicated his career to the mission of the Home and it is my hope that 
they will carry on his strength and vision as they move ahead into the 
future.
  The Jewish Home for the Aged has had an invaluable impact on our 
community since its founding. I am indeed proud to stand today to honor 
them as they celebrate their 85th anniversary and to extend my best 
wishes for continued success.

                          ____________________