[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 154 (Thursday, November 8, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11609-S11610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    30TH ANNIVERSARY OF CENTER POINT

 Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to bring to the Senate's attention the wonderful and 
necessary work of Center Point, Inc. in California. Center Point is 
preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary of service to the 
community. This milestone is a testament to the success of its programs 
and the life affirming and life-changing nature of its mission. I could 
not be happier for Center Point CEO Sushma Taylor and the 
organization's dedicated staff and extended family.
  Begun in 1971, in my home county of Marin, Center Point has since 
developed into a model community services provider, assisting at-risk 
families and individuals of all ages with issues ranging from drug and 
alcohol addiction, to homelessness, to HIV/AIDS, to job training. Each 
year it serves over 8,000 individuals through its residential, 
outpatient, housing and in-custody programs. These efforts not only 
serve to rescue individual lives, they have the power to heal families 
and ultimately transform whole communities.
  I believe strongly in the work being done at Center Point and at 
similar facilities around California and the Nation. We need to 
encourage and enable these programs that are making a difference. I 
introduced my Treatment on Demand Assistance Act this year to do just 
that. My bill would double the Federal Government's funding for drug 
and alcohol treatment over 5 years, from the current $3 billion to $6 
billion. It also provides for incentives to States that have instituted 
a policy of emphasizing treatment over incarceration for non-violent 
drug offenders.
  Treatment works. When we invest in it and other programs proven to 
improve lives, we are investing in a safer, healthier future for us 
all. Center Point has been proving this for 30 years.

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