[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JOHN F. MURPHY HOMES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John F. Murphy 
Homes of Auburn, Maine, on the occasion of its 35th anniversary.
  John F. Murphy was one of Maine's foremost advocates on behalf of the 
developmentally disabled. In 1954, Mr. Murphy used his standing on the 
Lewiston Board of Finance to open the Garcelon School as an educational 
facility for mentally retarded children. After his passing in February 
of 1976, members of the Lewiston Auburn Association for the Mentally 
Retarded formed a foundation in Mr. Murphy's honor to continue his 
work.
  On May 18, 1977, the John F. Murphy Foundation for the Mentally 
Retarded was officially established with the mission to provide housing 
for individuals with developmental disabilities. In March of 1978, they 
opened their first home at 23 Pleasant Street in Lewiston for six 
people. Today, the agency provides direct support to hundreds of 
Mainers and their families, employs more than 700 people in the greater 
Lewiston-Auburn area, and generates millions of dollars in local 
economic activity.
  John F. Murphy Homes has helped to raise awareness about intellectual 
disabilities and the need for group care facilities. The organization's 
remarkable success is owed to the outstanding vision of its founders 
and the tireless work of its employees.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating John F. Murphy Homes on 
achieving 35 years of exemplary service to the Lewiston-Auburn 
community.

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