[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 134 (Monday, September 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF JANE J. SCHWAGER OF FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2011

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jane J. Schwager, in 
recognition of her outstanding contributions to the state of 
Massachusetts in the area of substance abuse and recovery, and to 
commend her for over fifteen years of dedicated service to her 
community.
  Jane was born in Clifton Heights, PA to Ron and Peg Lanoie. As both 
of her parents dedicated much of their lives to the service of their 
country, with Ron serving in the United States Coast Guard, USCG, for 
30 years and Peg working for the Civil Service for over 25 years, Jane 
grew up knowing service to one's community was important.
  Jane has 2 children, Michael and Magdalene Tiapula, and is married to 
Jim Schwager. Jim and Jane currently reside in Worcester where they are 
raising their 3 year old granddaughter, Alysia.
  In 1994, Jane began her work for the Early Intervention Program for 
children with disabilities. Eventually, Jane worked for the South 
Middlesex Opportunity Council, SMOC, and she continued her advocacy in 
the substance abuse field by participating in various treatment 
programs including the Meadows Program, the New Beginnings Program at 
Bethany Hill, and the Marlboro/Hudson Sober Housing. Using her own 
resources, Jane purchased a building in Worcester in 1999 and opened 
the J&J Sober House, a 10 bedroom house for men in recovery, which she 
continues to run to this day. The following year she was named as the 
program director at the Serenity House in Hopkinton, MA. Subsequently, 
in 2003, Jane became an adjunct faculty member and practicum supervisor 
for the Alcoholism/Chemical Dependency Treatment Program for UMASS 
Boston after obtaining her Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) 1 
certification.
  Jane's approach to recovery from addiction is rooted in her 
commitment to helping people obtain another chance in life. Jane 
employs a balanced approach of compassion and ``raw reality'' that 
acknowledges each participant's strengths while recognizes the 
struggles and trauma that often pervades participants' histories. It 
should also be noted that she is currently overseeing the SMOC Rhodes 
to Recover Program in Millbury, MA.
  Her deep commitment to each and every one of the thousands of 
participants that have come through the doors of her program is 
constantly displayed through her compassionate actions. It is a tribute 
to Jane's commitment that she continues to empower recovering addicts 
to achieve their goals, dreams, and ultimately repair their broken 
lives.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House 
today to join with the family, friends, and contemporaries of Jane J. 
Schwager to thank her for her remarkable service to her state of 
Massachusetts, and to thousands of substance abuse victims.

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