[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 71 (Friday, June 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E935-E936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    CENTRAL NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EDEN 
                               INSTITUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2000

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Eden Institute's 25th 
Anniversary. Over the last quarter of a century, the Eden Institute has 
made tremendous contributions to our community through its commitment 
to meeting the needs of individuals with autism.
  Eden is a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization founded in 1975 to 
address the needs of the autistic community. Eden brought both parents 
and professionals together to assist in the development of a family-
oriented, multifaceted program driven by a well trained, dedicated and 
nurturing staff. Eden was founded on the commitment to provide a cost-
effective, community-based alternative to institutionalization and to 
offering training that would meet the changing needs of children and 
adults with autism.
  Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that severely affects 
social behavior, communication and one's ability to learn, is the 
result of a neurological disorder that interferes with the functioning 
of the brain. Autism affects 15 of every 10,000 births and typically 
appears during the first three years of development.
  Some of the services offered by Eden include the Eden Institute, a 
year-round educational program for children ages 3-21; Eden A.C.R.E.s, 
nine community-based group homes and three supported living apartments 
for adults; an employment center; year-round retreat opportunities, an 
early intervention program for infants and toddlers, and many, many 
more.
  Although much has changed over the years, Eden's mission is the 
same--to provide a

[[Page E936]]

comprehensive continuum of services designed to enable children and 
adults with autism to lead fulfilling, productive and independent 
lives.
  And they have been extremely successful. Through the work of Eden, 
parents are now able to more effectively engage their children at home; 
they have assisted hundreds of children and adults with autism to 
interact with their communities to the best of their abilities; and 
Eden has worked very hard to promote community awareness of the 
challenges associated with autism.
  The Eden Institute is a great asset to both Central New Jersey and 
our nation. I urge all my colleagues to join me today in recognizing 
Eden's dedication to assisting citizens with autism achieve their full 
potential.

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