[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AT FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Denton 
County organization Friends of the Family for celebrating its 25th 
anniversary. This is a great accomplishment, and I am proud to have an 
establishment such as this in the 26th Congressional District of Texas.
  Friends of the Family is an organization that works to provide crisis 
intervention, safe shelter, counseling, support services, and advocacy 
for all those impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault. The 
organization also facilitates community awareness and involvement 
through education, information, and violence prevention programs.
  From a starting budget of $10,000 in 1980 to this year's $1.5 million 
budget, the organization has grown a great deal in 25 years. With the 
program employing licensed professional counselors, social workers and 
psychologists, instead of relying solely on volunteers, they now serve 
about 7,000 people annually.
  Congratulations to Denton County's Friends of the Family on their 
anniversary. Twenty-five years of service is a milestone to be 
celebrated.

                          ____________________