[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 142 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF CENTER POINT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SULLIVAN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2011

  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 40th 
anniversary of Center Point and Dr. Sushma Taylor who serves as 
President and CEO. Center Point was founded in 1971 as a private, not-
for-profit corporation which offers rehabilitation and a spectrum of 
health and social services to high risk families, men, women, women 
with dependent children and youth. Since its founding, Center Point has 
served over 450,000 men, women, families and veterans.
  Center Point's mission is to provide comprehensive social, 
educational, vocational, medical, psychological, housing and 
rehabilitation services to combat social problems including substance 
abuse, poverty and unemployment. Center Point provides rehabilitation 
and treatment services to interrupt abusive cycles of psychological, 
social and economic dislocation by providing critical training and 
support so that individuals can claim self-worth and dignity through 
accountability and self-responsibility.
  Center Point's leader, Dr. Taylor, first joined Center Point as its 
Executive Director in 1981. Dr. Taylor has sought to create 
opportunities and help individuals and families overcome the barriers 
of drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, criminal justice involvement, 
unemployment, poor health and mental health problems to make a positive 
contribution to society. Under Dr. Taylor's leadership, Center Point 
has grown to develop and provide a wide array of services to those in 
need in California, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana.
  Oklahoma's female incarceration rate ranks number one in the Nation 
and in my district Center Point is making a difference with the Tulsa 
Women's Program. The burgeoning program helps women transition away 
from the criminal justice system and back into society. Center Point, 
the Tulsa Women's Program and the passionate leadership of Dr. Taylor 
provide countless inspiring examples of how treatment and 
rehabilitation can work to restore dignity to an individual and help 
people take responsibility for their own lives.
  I am grateful for the contributions of Center Point and Dr. Taylor as 
we commemorate their 40th anniversary and their positive and lasting 
contributions to society.

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