[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E37]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS TO MR. RICHARD BIOLSI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. TOOMEY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2003

  Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to offer congratulations and 
thanks to Mr. Richard Biolsi, Chief Operating Officer of KidsPeace, one 
of America's most comprehensive children's mental health charities 
which is headquartered in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.
  Rich is retiring this year after 34 years of dedicated service to 
America's youth. Over that span, Rich has served as a social worker, 
Vice President for Programs, Executive Vice-President for Programs, 
interim Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer for 
KidsPeace.
  When he began his career with KidsPeace in 1969, the fledgling 
service organization was caring for only 35 children in a run-down home 
with very few resources. Now, 34 years later, KidsPeace directly cares 
for nearly 3,000 children at more than 50 centers across the country. 
What once was a single-home orphanage for children in the Lehigh Valley 
has become one of the most comprehensive children's mental health 
charities in the nation that has helped millions of children in every 
state of our nation, on overseas military bases, and in 70 foreign 
countries.
  Many of these accomplishments, in no small part, can be attributed to 
Rich's efforts and strategic organizational leadership. From the 
development of six major residential campuses in four states, the 
establishment of the KidsPeace Hospital, and the creation of a unique 
and effective foster care program that provides homes for children in 
crisis in nine states, Rich has been an integral component of 
KidsPeace's success.
  Rich's accomplishments extend well beyond the borders of KidsPeace. 
In 2001, he was named Social Worker of the Year by the National 
Association of Social Workers. KidsPeace estimates that during his 
distinguished career, Rich and the programs he has created and overseen 
have directly cared for nearly 80,000 children in emotional crisis.
  So today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding dedication 
of Mr. Richard Biolsi to America's most vulnerable children. His 
commitment to excellence has enriched the lives of each of the children 
he cared for. I offer congratulations on his outstanding career, and 
the thanks of a grateful nation.

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