[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 153 (Thursday, October 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1849-E1850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE CHESHIRE HOME 30TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 13, 2011

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Cheshire 
Home located in Florham Park, Morris County, New Jersey, as it 
celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year.
  Established in 1981, the Cheshire Home has served the area's 
physically disabled adults with a time-honored philosophy first carried 
out by Lord Leonard Cheshire, a World War II Royal Air Force Pilot, who 
established

[[Page E1850]]

the international organization to serve disabled veterans. Since 1948, 
hundreds of Cheshire Homes have opened up worldwide, each acting 
independently, but all being guided by the same set of values.
  The unique setting of the Cheshire Home provides a stimulating living 
experience where residents not only receive professional medical care, 
but also have the opportunity to contribute to their community and live 
an independent lifestyle. As only one of twenty-four licensed 
specialized care facilities in the state of New Jersey, the Cheshire 
Home is the only facility that specializes in the 18-55 age range, 
making it a truly unique facility. The residents at Cheshire Home are 
offered a myriad of services including, medical, educational, 
recreation and counseling programs and services.
  In 1986, Cheshire Home began its first expansion when two community-
based homes were added. The residences were built for individuals with 
the ability to live with an increased measure of independence. In 1988, 
the Cheshire Home established its onsite Community Resource Center. The 
Center is a place where an array of programs and services are 
conducted, including vocational training and education.
  Cheshire Home and its residents have also reached out to the 
community through multiple programs. Members of the surrounding 
community are invited to take part in computer classes where Cheshire 
residents frequently act as mentors. A second program, the Awareness by 
Learning Experience (A.B.L.E.) program, was created to raise awareness 
in children, teens and adults of the challenges and capacities of 
disabled persons. Activities such as a ``wheelchair obstacle course'' 
give participants a glimpse at the challenges faced by disabled 
persons. The residents of Cheshire Home have presented this program to 
hundreds of conununities and schools throughout New Jersey.
  Cheshire Home is a place dedicated to serving disabled adults by 
providing a specialized environment that fosters the growth of a 
personal measure of independence in each resident. They have also 
proved over and over to be a good neighbor to the community. But above 
all, Cheshire Home provides young, disabled adults with the most 
important thing: a home.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Cheshire Home, their board of trustees, staff and volunteers as 
they celebrate their 30th Anniversary.

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