[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING FRIENDS HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 2009

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a wonderful 
establishment in Santa Rosa, California--Friends House. Friends House, 
a very special continuing care retirement community, is celebrating its 
25th anniversary April 24, 25, and 26.
  Conceived of in the late 1970s, Friends House opened to its first 
residents in 1984 and has expanded over the years while retaining its 
family feel. It is now composed of three related programs dedicated to 
the health and well-being of older persons--independent living in both 
houses and apartments, assisted living, and a skilled nursing facility 
which is also open to the public. It is operated by Friends Association 
of Services for the Elderly under the College Park Quarterly Meeting of 
the Religious Society of Friends.
  It has been my pleasure to meet with the residents of Friends House 
over the years. I have found them to be a lively and engaged group with 
a commitment to the progressive values we share. These caring values 
are evident not only in the democratically run, close-knit community 
but also in the activism shared by many of its members. Residents and 
staff are involved in volunteerism through The Art of Giving Back 
program. Volunteers work in over 30 nonprofit organizations, and the 
community hosts educational and cultural sessions for the public.
  The care given to seniors by the staff at Friends House is often 
singled out for praise. One woman wrote movingly of her mother-in-law's 
passing away ``in the loving care of the wonderful angels there.'' She 
then asked them to send her love and say a prayer for the comfort of 
another family member at the facility who was not coherent but who had 
all the support she needed to make her last days something beautiful 
and special.
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to be able to salute Friends House on 
its 25th anniversary. I know that its residents and staff will continue 
to be a loving asset to our community for years to come.

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