[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1195]]



 IN RECOGNITION OF MORNING- SIDE-WESTSIDE COMMUNITY ACTION CORPORATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2003

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Morningside-
Westside Community Action Corporation, MWCAC. For nearly a decade, 
MWCAC has worked tirelessly in order to serve the mental health 
community of New York City.
  Founded in 1994, the Morningside Westside Community Action 
Corporation has been instrumental in advocating positive changes in 
governmental health programs, distributing information about issues 
facing the mental health community and promoting awareness and 
understanding towards those who suffer from mental illness. MWCAC 
strives to assist the mentally ill on their road to recovery and to 
help them achieve their goals and live productive lives.
  Realizing that society has a place for all, the MWCAC has long been a 
proponent of helping the mentally disabled live normally within the 
mainstream. Morningside-Westside Community Action Corporation actively 
promotes reintegration, mainstream living, steady employment and 
recovery for all those who suffer from mental illness.
  Over the last eight and a half years, under the leadership of Nancy 
Walder, their President, dedicated staff members have worked on mental 
health advocacy projects, and opened lines of communication between 
those who administer mental health services and those who require them.
  In order to spread their message throughout the city and beyond, 
mental health service workers, members of the mentally disabled 
community and their friends and family members publish The Morningside-
Westside Bulletin, an award-winning monthly mental health journal. 
Journal articles detail issues facing the mental health community and 
provide advice and avenues for help for those who are in need of 
assistance.
  Under MWCAC's auspices, members of the mentally disabled community 
produce an annual Outsider Art Show, a forum that encourages members to 
contribute their own original pieces. The Morningside-Westside 
Community Action Corporation has also sponsored educational and 
informational events such as ``Harlem Mental Health Day'' and ``Healthy 
Mind, Healthy Body.'' Future events include ``Back to Work, Back to 
Life Day,'' an all day event to be held in Bryant Park, and a 
conference to be held in connection with the New York City Department 
of Health Federation.
  A mental illness can be a paralyzing and debilitating condition. For 
years, many individuals have been forced to wander in the darkness of 
this disease without a helping hand. Thanks to MWCAC, those who need 
assistance in the New York area have a place to go for help.
  In recognition of their outstanding contributions to the community 
and their commitment to the quality of life of the mentally disabled, I 
ask that my colleagues join me in saluting Nancy Walder and her 
dedicated staff at MWCAC.

                          ____________________