[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS REGIONAL SOCIAL 
                                SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Southern Illinois 
Regional Social Services (SIRSS).
  The origin of SIRSS can actually be traced to February 10, 1958, with 
the meeting of a temporary committee whose purpose was to organize a 
mental health association and clinic in Jackson County, Illinois. 
Through the dedicated work of a small group of individuals, the 
Southern Illinois Mental Health Clinic (SIMHC) was opened in October of 
1959 with the first full year of services in 1960.
  As the organization evolved to meet its service offerings and 
geographic area, its name would be modified to reflect that growth. 
Jackson County Community Mental Health Center was the name adopted in 
the 1960's and then, in the 1990's, it became Southern Illinois 
Regional Social Services (SIRSS).
  SIRSS has always been a dynamic organization, adding new services and 
evaluating existing services to make sure they are effective, in line 
with their core mission and addressing the needs of their clients. 
Substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, wellness education, 
Big Brothers/Big Sisters and satellite offices are all examples of the 
variety of services SIRSS has added through the years.
  One of the earliest annual reports listed an average clinic caseload 
of 58 community patients. This has grown to over 2,000 people served 
annually today. Clearly the need is great and SIRSS has grown to meet 
that need. Through 50 years of growth, however, they have stayed true 
to their founding commitment to Build Better Lives and their promise: 
``You are not alone. We care. We know how to help.''
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
board of directors, administration and staff of Southern Illinois 
Regional Social Services on their 50th Anniversary and wishing them the 
very best for many more years to come.

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