[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATION OF ST. LUKE'S HOUSE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF HELPING PATIENTS 
                       BECOME PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2002

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
``Three Decades of Hope'' at St. Luke's House (SLH) in Bethesda, 
Maryland. SLH helps patients released from psychiatric hospitals to 
live and work successfully in their communities by offering integrated 
mental health services and community resources.
  St. Luke's House was founded in 1971, by St. Luke's Episcopal Church. 
The programs offered by SLH include supported living, life skills 
training and vocational rehabilitation, and 24-hour crisis care and 
services for youth with serious emotional disabilities. Currently, SLH 
provides care for over 800 youth and adults. To accomplish its 
programs, SLH operates 31 group homes and apartments in the community. 
It has helped more than 4,000 individuals return to an active community 
life.
  There are four basic programs SLH provides individuals under its 
care. The Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program which offers individuals 
supported living opportunities, residential rehabilitation assistance, 
back-to-work skills, and a life skills building program. The SLH Mental 
Health Clinic provides mental health services to the public and 
patients in other SLH programs. Its McAuliffe Crisis House is a 
voluntary community-based residential alternative to inpatient 
hospitalization. The Career Transition Program is a joint endeavor 
between SLH and Montgomery Public Schools that help high school 
students with serious emotional disabilities to receive counseling and 
vocational training.
  The efforts at SLH have raised public awareness of an ever increasing 
mental health issue. Its continued success is due to the hard work of 
SLH staff and volunteers that give thousands of hours to make this 
ministry beneficial to SLH residents and community. St. Luke's House is 
fortunate to have the leadership of Ms. Pam K. Cudahy as President and 
CEO as it moves ahead in meeting the needs of people in the 21st 
century. Our community is richer because of the residents and staff of 
St. Luke's House.

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