[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E945-E946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING COMMUNITY HOPE ON ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 2010

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Community 
Hope, headquartered in Parsippany, Morris County, New Jersey, which 
celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2010.
  In 1985, a group of mental health professionals and families formed 
Community Hope with the mission of providing a safe haven for the 
continuing recovery of young adults afflicted by chronic mental 
illness. The organization began with one residential facility, staffed 
by professional counselors capable of assisting individuals in making 
the transition back to

[[Page E946]]

community and family life. The founders of Community Hope strove to 
help these individuals break the cycle of repeated psychiatric 
hospitalizations with personalized therapeutic care coupled with in-
residence treatment.
  In 2004, Community Hope took advantage of its experience with 
residential recovery programs and opened its doors to former service 
men and women in need. It is now the largest transitional housing 
program in New Jersey for homeless veterans at Lyons Veterans 
Administration Medical Center in Bernards Township.
  Community Hope has been extraordinarily successful in helping young 
men and women afflicted with chronic mental illness--it now boasts 
thirty-nine residential facilities, serving 300 individuals. The 
organization has also taken steps toward creating permanent, affordable 
housing for New Jersey veterans afflicted with post-traumatic stress 
syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and physical disabilities incurred in 
combat.
  Community Hope's success is due in no small part to its philosophy. 
The organization believes all persons with serious mental illness have 
the potential to live successfully in the community if they are able to 
view their future with hope. Through a holistic approach that addresses 
each individual's total needs, the counselors at Community Hope instill 
confidence in these young men and women, encouraging each individual to 
grow to his or her maximum potential, both individually and socially.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Community Hope on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, 
celebrating years of service to those with chronic mental illness and 
our veterans.

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