[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AS IT 
                    CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United Cerebral 
Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania as it celebrates its 50th 
anniversary on Monday at Genetti's in Dickson City, Pennsylvania.
  United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania is an agency that 
exists solely to serve people with disabilities.
  UCP was founded in 1953 by a group of people, including parents of 
teenagers and young adults with cerebral palsy. For the first few 
years, the agency consisted of volunteers who developed recreational 
activities for those disabled by cerebral palsy. The organization 
received funding from the community contributions and special events 
conducted by various groups.
  After becoming a member agency of the United Fund, the precursor to 
the United Way, and through several cooperative agreements with other 
local organizations, UCP began providing professional services. 
Government funding began in 1970, and made possible the extension of 
the area that the agency serves.
  Government funding also expanded services and increased the 
eligibility for services of persons with disabilities other than 
cerebral palsy. In fact, while the agency specializes in serving 
children and adults who have cerebral palsy, more than 75 percent of 
its clients have other related disabilities.
  The growth of the agency over these past five decades mirrors the 
changes that have come about in society for persons with disabilities. 
However, the commitment of this agency to people with disabilities is 
something that has not and will not change. There is no higher calling 
than being part of an organization that served those less fortunate, 
and I want to take this opportunity to thank Executive Director Sarah 
Drob, Director of Operations Timothy McHugh, Coordinator of Residential 
Services Karen Himchak, Coordinator of Children's Services Cheryl 
Astolfi, Coordinator of Adult Services Faith Smith, Accountant Ruta 
Labutis, Coordinator of Communications and Development Barbara 
Siarkievicz and Administrative Assistant Tessie Bauer.
  Mr. Speaker, it is truly a privilege to represent this fine 
organization that has shown its commitment to the people of 
Northeastern Pennsylvania. Today I ask you and my fellow colleagues to 
join me in honoring United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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