[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 81 (Friday, June 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1104-E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    HONORING MIGUEL LAGUNA FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that today I join 
people from the Greater New Haven area, to pay tribute to one of our 
most outstanding community members, Miguel Laguna. Miguel will be 
retiring after a twenty-six year career as the Executive Director of 
Crossroads, Inc., a bilingual drug rehabilitation program.
  Crossroads has been an invaluable asset to area residents since its 
inception in 1973 and Miguel has been the driving force behind its 
success. Through his commitment, dedication, and most importantly, 
compassion, Crossroads has grown from its original 25-bed capacity to 
its current capacity of 101. In only twenty-five years, this is indeed 
a remarkable achievement. With Miguel's foresight and leadership, 
Crossroads has continually met the ever-changing needs of individuals 
seeking to recover from chemical dependence. The development of a 
women's program, the eventual extension of services to pregnant and 
parenting women, and the addition of contracts with the Department of 
Corrections and Office of Alternative Sanctions has allowed Crossroads 
to reach out to our entire community. Crossroads offers some of our 
most vulnerable citizens the services and programs they need to live 
happy, productive lives. Though originally serving primarily Latino 
clients, Crossroads now serves a culturally diverse population, making 
a real difference in the lives of hundreds of area residents.
  Miguel has not only had a tremendous impact on our community 
professionally, but in his civic life as well. Throughout his time in 
New Haven, he has served on a variety of boards, commissions and task 
forces aimed at enriching the lives of our children and families. 
Whether as a police commissioner, a member of the Mayor's Task Force on 
AIDS, the National Puerto Rican Coalition, or the Regional Planning 
Committee for Mental Health, Miguel has demonstrated a unique 
commitment to public service. His unparalleled dedication is reflected 
in the myriad of local, state, and national awards which have been 
presented to him throughout his career.

[[Page E1105]]

  Tonight, friends, family, colleagues, and community members will 
gather to salute the many accomplishments of Miguel Laguna as he 
retires from his position as Executive Director of Crossroads. It is 
both an honor and a privilege for me to extend my sincere thanks and 
appreciation for his many contributions to the City of New Haven and 
send my best wishes for continued health and happiness as he enjoys his 
retirement.

                          ____________________