[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO NEW DIRECTIONS ON ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  Mr. WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate New Directions, a 
remarkable program located in the congressional district I represent, 
on celebrating its 15th year.
  New Directions is a superb veterans' service organization located on 
the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs property. Started by Toni Reinis 
and John Keaveney 15 years ago in a small rented house, it has grown to 
encompass four facilities totaling 223 long-term residential treatment 
beds for homeless veterans and their dependents.
  New Directions has become a national model for the successful 
treatment of veterans battling co-occurring disorders--mental illness 
and substance abuse. Over the past 15 years, New Directions has been 
responsible for assisting over 8,000 homeless veterans and their 
families in getting back on their feet and reintegrated into our 
community.
  New Directions provides a comprehensive network of therapeutic 
services to assist veterans. Veterans living at New Directions are 
given job training and placement assistance, parenting and money 
management classes, legal and financial assistance, remedial education 
and resources for alumni. Residents leave New Directions with a job, 
housing, a savings account, computer skills, renewed self-confidence 
and the support of mentors and peers. Under Toni and John's guidance, 
veterans undergo astounding, life-altering transformations.
  As veterans enter the building, the first thing they see is a plaque 
on the outside of the building that refers to New Directions as ``The 
Last House on the Block.'' Veterans arrive often feeling they have 
bottomed out and are without hope of overcoming their challenges. New 
Directions offers them another chance to turn their lives around.
  Los Angeles has the largest population of homeless veterans in the 
Nation. An estimated 24,000 veterans live on the streets of Los 
Angeles. Many of them suffer from co-occurring disorders, post-
traumatic stress disorder--PTSD--as well as chronic medical problems. 
New Directions welcomes these veterans and offers them a safe 
environment to address their challenges.
  I want to thank and acknowledge Toni and John for the tremendous 
contributions they have made to veterans these past 15 years. Their 
dedication and commitment are inspirational. They have helped rebuild 
countless lives and for that we owe them a debt of gratitude.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in sending our highest praise and 
thanks to Toni Reinis and John Keaveney on celebrating the first 15 
years of New Directions.

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