[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE EFFORTS OF THE MACOMB COUNTY INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER 
          CAREGIVERS ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 10TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the efforts of the Macomb 
County Interfaith Caregivers as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary 
on November 19, 2002.
  This celebration will bring together a variety of local support 
agencies, faith-based congregations, and residents to provide 
information on their programs and services available to the citizens of 
Macomb County and recently added areas in Oakland County.
  The Macomb County Interfaith Caregivers was started in 1990 by a 
group of religious leaders from southeast Michigan who saw a need for a 
program that could reach out to a rapidly growing population of older 
and disabled adults. These older residents of our communities were 
struggling to maintain their independence and preserve their health and 
safety in their own homes. By 1994 the program was an independent, 
community-owned charitable organization.
  The agency's mission is to provide essential support services like 
transportation, household assistance, meal preparation, home repairs 
and yard work. They also provide an important emotional support system 
through a respite program for full-time family caregivers, 
socialization visits, and ongoing communication with the participants.
  The work of the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers has touched the lives 
of more than 850 residents in the last ten years and has been made 
possible through the work of hundreds of volunteers, eighty local 
businesses and seventy local congregations.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the passion 
and hard work of all of the individuals involved with the Macomb County 
Interfaith Caregivers. It has been my pleasure to work with them and to 
see first hand the value of their efforts. They have improved the lives 
of the elderly and strengthened the fabric of their community.

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