[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 39 (Friday, March 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TO RECOGNIZE THE MARAH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CENTER

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 9, 2012

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Marah Christian Counseling Center on the occasion of its 5th 
Anniversary.
  In 2001, the Rev. Dr. Deloris Washington, who served as a pastoral 
counselor at the First Baptist Church of Merrifield, had a vision to 
create a Christian counseling center to provide care and counseling 
services to those facing emotional challenges and difficulties. In 
2006, the vision became a reality when the Marah Christian Counseling 
Center, MCCC, opened its doors.
  Since that time, MCCC has provided spiritually-based services to our 
community in four primary categories: Family Counseling, Individual 
Counseling, Pre-marital and Marital Counseling, and Support Groups. 
MCCC offers individual, couples, and group programs for all in need. 
Individual counseling services include anger management, depression, 
grief counseling, divorce and separation, financial counseling, stress 
management, and programs designed for the special needs of our children 
and teens. The pre-marital program offered by MCCC, which is a year-
long program, is designed to ensure that areas of conflicts are 
addressed before the wedding and reduce subsequent divorce rates.
  Each of us face pain, confusion, or loss of a loved one during our 
lifetime. I commend the Marah Christian Counseling Center for providing 
support during those difficult times.
  Mr. Speaker I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
Marah Christian Counseling Center on the occasion of its 5th 
anniversary, and in thanking the Rev. Dr. Deloris Washington for her 
leadership and service to our community.

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