[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. JOSEPH'S VILLA IN RICHMOND, 
                                VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2009

  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 175th 
anniversary of St. Joseph's Villa in Richmond, Virginia.
  St. Joseph's Villa has been serving the Richmond community since 1834 
when it was established by the Daughters of Charity as an orphanage. It 
is now a nonsectarian organization and is the oldest and largest 
operating children's nonprofit in metropolitan Richmond.
  Currently, the Villa works with more than 600 children and families 
on a daily basis. The mission of St. Joseph's Villa is to provide 
children with special needs, as well as their families, the opportunity 
to succeed through innovative and effective programs. To accomplish 
this mission, St. Joseph's Villa works with local school systems and 
parents to provide a variety of educational, residential and day 
programs to children and families dealing with autism, homelessness or 
physical and mental disabilities or other behaviors that classify the 
child as being ``at risk.'' These programs include, to name just a few, 
the Dooley School at St. Joseph's Villa, for middle- and high-school 
students with learning disabilities and behavioral issues, the Dooley 
Center for Alternative Education, for students who have been suspended 
or expelled from their local high school, and the Dooley School at 
Cherokee Road, an elementary-school program for students with a variety 
of learning disabilities. Each program contains both academic and 
behavioral components and their goal is to prepare the child for 
returning to his or her local school.
  St. Joseph's Villa employs more than 300 full and part-time employees 
who are integral in making this organization a success. The Villa is 
committed to staff-development, involvement, and effective teamwork 
that respect the individuals they serve. I commend them on the services 
they have rendered to the Richmond community over the years.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing St. Joseph's Villa 
as it celebrates its anniversary and wishing the students and staff the 
best in their future endeavors.

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