[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E230-E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ARC OF MERCER COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2002

  Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, Norman Vincent Peale--a pastor and a 
motivational speaker--said ``Change your thoughts and you change your 
world.''
  Fifty years ago, more than 20 residents of Mercer County, many of 
them parents of developmentally disabled children, recognized a need in 
their community. The area lacked much needed education programs that 
addressed the special needs of their children. This included not only 
basic education but also the development of job and social skills. With 
that focus, they established what has evolved into the Arc of Mercer 
County.
  Remember, this was a time when mental retardation was often 
misunderstood by society. Those who were developmentally disabled were 
quickly committed to asylums. It was believed that they could 
contribute nothing to the community. But, these Mercer County residents 
knew otherwise. They knew these precious individuals could enrich 
people's lives if they could find a way to integrate them into society. 
So with hope, optimism and faith, they actively sought donations of 
space, time and money to establish a program where children and adults 
with mental retardation could learn to support themselves, learn social 
skills and attend classes designed to meet their special needs.
  These 20 families, through their actions and deeds, changed the way 
we view mental retardation forever, not only in their own community but 
worldwide. We now know that being developmentally disabled is not an 
end-all, they play a vital role in our economy while gaining 
independence for themselves.
  MCAR has grown from a small patchwork organization who once borrowed 
classroom space from the Salvation Army and the American Legion to a 
powerhouse agency providing services to more than 500 individuals with 
mental retardation. Their services have expanded to include vocational 
training, residential services, employment services and recreation and 
socialization programming. MCAR owns 17 group homes, a campus of 
education facilities in Hermitage as well as a Mechenbier workshop in 
Greenville.
  For 50 years, MCAR has given some very special people in the 
community the opportunity to stand on their own two feet. With their 
various programs, they are building new and better bridges, ensuring 
everyone has the opportunity to live a full and productive life. I 
applaud the founding officers--Mrs. Peter Jarocki, Mrs. Frank Machuga, 
Mrs. Royal DeWeese, and Mrs. David Cooke--for working with the 
community to develop a program that would blossom and bloom into an 
agency that helps so many. Under the leadership and inspiration of 
current CEO Bob Beech and his board, the vision of these families has 
only flourished.

[[Page E231]]

  Mr. Speaker, those with developmental disabilities and their families 
face a lifetime of challenges. MCAR has provided the tools necessary to 
ensure that those challenges are met. I would like to congratulate the 
founding families and everyone at MCAR--past and present. Your hands 
and hearts have left a positive imprint on so many lives, mine 
included. Last but not least, I would like to congratulate the clients 
of MCAR. You have come so far. Your contributions to our local 
community are felt in so many ways and our lives are enriched by 
knowing all of you. You have truly made Mercer County a better place to 
live.

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