[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL OF 
                             FAIRFAX COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 25th 
Anniversary of the Human Services Council of Fairfax County and to 
thank the many citizens who have spent countless hours ensuring that 
the county meets the needs of its citizens.
   In response to the challenges brought about by the dramatic growth 
of Fairfax County in the 1970s and 80s, the Board of Supervisors 
recognized the need to assess the county's ability to meet the diverse 
needs of its citizens. In June 1988, The Board chartered the Human 
Services Council to develop a comprehensive human services plan to 
establish and coordinate service needs, resource requirements, funding 
allocations, and priorities across all human service agencies.
   The Council is comprised of twenty citizens who are appointed by the 
Board of Supervisors. It is charged with analyzing the needs and 
effectiveness of the human services system; advising the system on 
annual and strategic goals, objectives, and priorities; enhancing the 
coordination of services among human service providers both public and 
private; overseeing key aspects of change in the system; and serving as 
a liaison to governing and advisory boards of existing human services 
organizations as well as to the community.
   In 1989, the Human Services Council's first report, Toward a Long-
Range Plan for Human Services in Fairfax County, provided a 
comprehensive review of human services programs in the county and set 
the foundation for improvements in needs assessment and service 
delivery that continue to this day. The Council's contributions proved 
invaluable in 1992 when due to a severe recession, devastating 
reductions for human services were proposed. The Council worked with 
other stakeholders to examine the impact of the cuts, prioritize 
services and analyze service delivery systems, thereby providing 
information that resulted in the preservation of funding vital to the 
well-being of vulnerable residents. In 1996, the Council adopted three 
primary objectives that have provided a clear focus for the human 
services system in Fairfax County: ensure the protection of children 
and other vulnerable members of the community; maximize prevention 
opportunities in order to strengthen the well-being and stability of 
families and communities; and promote self-sufficiency and help 
families achieve maximum independence from long-term public supports.
   Over the past 25 years, the Council has not only worked within the 
county government, it has partnered with community-based organizations, 
schools, nonprofit organizations, and state and local government 
agencies to develop a regional human services safety net that promotes 
independence, ensures the availability of safe affordable housing, 
supports families and individuals in crisis, prevents abuse and 
neglect, responds to threats to public health, responds to crime in the 
community, addresses alcohol, drug, physical health, and mental health 
issues, prevents social isolation, and prevents neighborhood 
deterioration.
   As Providence District Supervisor and later as Chairman of the 
Board, I had the great honor of working with the Human Services Council 
in many areas of critical need in the County, most notably on creation 
of the standalone Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, and the Penny 
for Affordable Housing initiative. I personally extend by deepest 
appreciation to Kevin Bell and the other members of the Council for 
their untiring efforts on behalf of the most vulnerable in our 
community.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
crucial role the Human Services Council members have played over the 
last 25 years in making sure all of Fairfax County's residents have the 
safeguards and support they need to live up to their fullest potential.

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