[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 154 (Tuesday, November 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2010-E2011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF DR. MURRAY ITZKOWITZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2010

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, it is my great privilege to pay tribute 
to Dr. Murray Itzkowitz, who is receiving the 2010 Adaptive Design 
Association Lifetime Achievement Award. His leadership, advocacy and 
contributions to children with disabilities and his work on behalf of 
the mental health rehabilitation community have enhanced the lives of 
countless individuals throughout my district and the greater New York 
City area.
  Dr. Itzkowitz joined the board of directors of the Adaptive Design 
Association (ADA) in 2005. The ADA's mission is to ``engage families, 
schools, and communities in the process of designing and building 
responsible, child-specific, adaptive equipment.''
  As a board member, Dr. Itzkowitz played a pivotal role in the 
relocation of the ADA's workshop and training center to a more 
appropriate space in Midtown Manhattan. Dr. Itzkowitz recognized that 
the organization's small space on Riverside Drive was limiting its 
ability to fulfill its mission and urged the organization to move to a 
larger and more central location. His passion for the organization is 
contagious and has led to the recruitment of new board members and 
relationships that continue to allow the organization to grow. In April 
2010 Dr. Itzkowitz was recognized for his exceptional drive and 
dedication by being elected Vice Chair of the Board.
  Dr. Itzkowitz has been a tireless advocate and visionary for 
vulnerable populations. In 1954 he was one of the founding members of 
The Bridge Inc. (The Bridge) a non-profit organization at the forefront 
of mental health and rehabilitative services. He became the first full 
time Executive Director of The Bridge in 1969 and retired in 2000. 
Under Dr. Itzkowitz's direction, The Bridge has matured from a small, 
self-help group to an award-winning and nationally recognized 
organization that annually serves more than 1,500 adults.
  During his tenure as Executive Director, Dr. Itzkowitz nurtured The 
Bridge's comprehensive and pioneering approach to treatment. With his 
support and guidance The Bridge developed programs that could meet the 
growing needs of its clients. In the 1970s, Dr. Itzkowitz identified 
the need for supervised residences and expanded The Bridge's services 
to include housing. Under his leadership, The Bridge developed 
properties throughout New York City and today houses 902 adults, many

[[Page E2011]]

of whom suffer from not only mental health issues but also 
homelessness, substance abuse disorders, and HIV/AIDS--a notable 
increase from the first residency they established in 1979 which housed 
only 20 clients.
  Dr. Itzkowitz was also instrumental in creating The Bridge's 
Vocational and Job Training Services, a key element of rehabilitation 
that had long been neglected. Building on Dr. Itzkowitz's responsive 
approach to treatment; today, The Bridge offers mental health and 
substance abuse treatment, housing, vocational training, and job 
placement, healthcare, education and creative arts therapies. All of 
these afford countless clients help, hope, and opportunities to enjoy 
healthier and more fulfilling lives.
  In addition to his long history of commitment to and achievement 
within the social services field, Dr. Itzkowitz has been a devoted 
husband to his wife, Phyllis, and father to his sons, David and Jake. 
Jake continues his father's legacy of service as Chief of Staff for New 
York City Councilwoman Margaret Chin.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in 
congratulating Dr. Murray Itzkowitz on his much deserved 2010 Adaptive 
Design Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

                          ____________________