[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 113 (Friday, July 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING GWENN WALDMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 24, 2009

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Art 
Therapy Connection, a not-for-profit that has empowered hundreds of 
struggling students in the Chicago public school system.
  Art Therapy Connection teaches students to deal with negative 
emotions and hardship through the use of creative outlets, which have 
consistently rendered them better behaved, more focused and more 
successful in school. Art therapy helps raise children's self-esteem by 
encouraging self-expression and providing them the opportunity to work 
through their behavioral and social problems in a fun, motivating way. 
In addition, Art Therapy Connection brings art to schools that have cut 
it from the curriculum through the Visiting Artist Program that 
connects students to artists in the community.
  Art Therapy Connection has grown each year, reaching out weekly to 
over 150 students at five different grade schools and high schools in 
the 2008-2009 school year and is still expanding. I would like to honor 
Art Therapy Connection for working tirelessly to make art therapy 
available to as many students as possible. The program has proven to be 
an invaluable resource for children in the Chicago public school 
system.

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