[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING THE FEDERATION OF FAMILIES FOR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (FFCMH) upon 
the occasion of their 17th Annual Conference. Their conference will be 
held this weekend in Washington, D.C., and will be hosted by I 
Famagu'on-ta, the chapter and delegation from Guam.
  The Federation is a national family-run network of community-based 
organizations dedicated to improving mental health services for 
children through advocacy, training, family support, and engagement in 
the public policy process. I commend the Federation for their support, 
service and commitment to children with mental health needs and their 
families throughout the United States.
  In January of 2002, Guam advocates for families reached out to the 
Federation for assistance as resources and support for children with 
mental needs and their families in our community were largely 
unavailable on island. The association with Guam was born of the 
efforts initiated by Mary-Therese Edgerle, who at that time was a 
concerned parent on Guam. Through her vision and dedication, a family 
organization for parents whose children experience serious emotional 
disturbances or S.E.D. was established in the territory.
  Through its former executive director, Barbara Huff, the Federation 
lent extraordinary assistance and key backing to Guam advocates in the 
early efforts to organize on behalf of children with mental health 
needs. Barbara personally saw to it that the Federation grew to include 
membership and organization in Guam. As a result of the collaboration 
between Guam advocates and Federation leaders, Guam's families began to 
learn and understand their rights and the many possibilities and 
programs that could be developed to help their children affected by 
S.E.D.
  Sandra Spencer, the current Federation executive director, has been 
equally supportive of Guam. Under her direction and guidance, Guam has 
been blessed with ongoing leadership training through Lisa Conlan, the 
technical assistance partnership and peer mentor. The various board, 
individualized evaluation plan, crises, and family partners train-the-
trainer programs, as well as their technical support, have provided 
invaluable expertise and assistance to the families and most 
especially, the children of Guam. The Federation staff members have 
given of their time willingly and unselfishly, as have other Federation 
Chapters, to provide Guam with much needed support, resources and 
information. In particular, I would like to recognize Sue Smith from 
the Parent Support Network in Georgia for her steadfast dedication and 
assistance to the Guam Chapter.
  With the benefit of a $180,000 statewide Family Network Grant award 
in October 2002, the Guam Chapter successfully identified and 
strengthened local families through early program development stages. 
This work has resulted in a $9.5 million grant. The Child Mental Health 
Initiative Cooperative Agreement with the Substance Abuse and Mental 
Health Services Administration was entitled Project I Famagu'on-ta or 
``Our Children,'' in support of children and youth on Guam affected by 
S.E.D. As a result of Federation training, Guam Identifies Families 
Terrific Strengths, Inc., or G.I.F.T.S. was awarded tax-exempt status 
as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization in October 2005.
  The development and passing of legislation in Guam has further helped 
to shape and create a nationally recognized system of care on Guam. 
This legislation has also helped form G.I.F.T.S. as a new Federation 
chapter. It is this territorial chapter that is hosting the 
registration of the Federation of Families National Conference this 
weekend. The establishment of G.I.F.T.S. marks the beginning stage of 
an association providing much needed services to children and families 
on Guam.
  I commend and congratulate the Federation of Families for Children's 
Mental Health for their unselfish devotion, commitment and support 
provided to those affected by S.E.D. I further express my sincere and 
heartfelt gratitude for their outstanding work in making a difference 
in the lives of the families and children of Guam and in other 
communities throughout the nation. Through the efforts of the 
Federation our nation has the ability to foster healthy emotional 
development for our children in need. I wish the Federation a 
successful and productive conference. Dankulo na Si Yu'os Ma'ase and 
thank you.

                          ____________________