[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 12, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3617-S3618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE 35th ANNIVERSARY OF PROJECT REHAB

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, today it is my great pleasure to 
recognize Project Rehab for 35 years of dedicated service promoting 
personal and community health throughout my home State of Michigan.
  Since 1968, Project Rehab has functioned as a community-based 
outreach to people experiencing behavioral and mental health problems. 
Project in Rehabilitation began as the joint effort of Dr. William 
Kooistra and Dr. Chet Maternowski to offer counseling and treatment to 
heroin addicts in Grand Rapids, MI. Through their valuable service, 
Drs. Kooistra and Maternowski promoted awareness of drug addiction

[[Page S3618]]

in a community that was not then equipped to address this problem. 
Overcoming sometimes harsh criticism, they succeeded in establishing 
their organization as a place of hope for those needing drug abuse 
treatment.
  Over the years, Project Rehab has grown to fit the changing needs of 
its clients. While maintaining a strong emphasis on treating addiction 
and substance abuse, Project Rehab now offers a broad range of 
services, including work-release programs for prisoners, employee 
counseling, and educational programs to encourage behavioral and mental 
health.
  Today, Project Rehab serves 5,000 clients annually in cities across 
Michigan. Through its educational services, Project Rehab educates more 
than 9,000 students, warning them of the dangers posed by drug and 
alcohol use. Within its field, Project Rehab is recognized as an 
innovative force, bringing unique treatment to individuals in need. As 
one of the largest and longest running substance abuse programs in 
Michigan, I commend Project Rehab for improving the lives of many in 
Michigan and setting an example for other programs around the country.
  I know that my colleagues in the Senate will join me in 
congratulating Project Rehab for their committed work and for the hope 
they have given to many.

                          ____________________