[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE LESTER A. DRENK BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM SAXTON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Lester A. 
Drenk Behavioral Health Center, which will celebrate its 50th 
anniversary in 2005. Founded by Judge Lester A. Drenk and the Board of 
Chosen Freeholders of Burlington County as the Burlington Guidance 
Center on December 31, 1954, this organization has helped adolescents 
with serious mental health issues for half a century.
  Judge Drenk saw many of these adolescents in his courtroom and felt 
compelled to help them rather than remand them to the juvenile justice 
system. Beginning with 16 boys, in a building purchased by the 
Freeholders, the program has treated over 100,000 consumers since its 
inception.
  Currently serving over 8,700 consumers each year in a variety of 
programs including the Screening and Crisis Intervention Program; 
Outpatient Services; Supportive Housing for the homeless mentally ill; 
Host Homes, a series of programs offering temporary shelter for 
children; Family Crisis Intervention Unit; School Based Youth Services; 
Family Matters; and many other services so needed by troubled youth, 
this vital program continues its mission of assisting those in need in 
our community.
  I congratulate the Drenk Behavioral Health Center on this milestone 
in their history, and wish them many, many more years of success.

                          ____________________