[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1511-E1512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF EDGEWATER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 
                                SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I recognize Edgewater Behavioral Health Services as the 
organization celebrates its 40th anniversary. In honor of this 
momentous occasion, the organization is hosting a celebratory event on 
Friday, October 17, 2014, at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, in 
Merrillville, Indiana.
   The growing need for quality mental health care in the United States 
led to Congress passing the Community Mental Health Act of 1963. The 
Gary Community Mental Health Center was one of the original facilities 
set up in Indiana after the passage of this bill. In 1974, due to the 
hard work of many leaders in Gary at the time, the center was 
incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. Over the years, the 
organization continued to grow, expanding its range of services and 
leadership. Under the direction of current president and chief 
executive officer, Dr. Danita Johnson Hughes, the center's name was 
changed to Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living, Inc. and, in 2014, 
began doing business under the name Edgewater Behavioral Health 
Services. Edgewater provides services ranging from crisis intervention 
and addiction services to day treatment, out-patient programs, and 
residential services, to name a few. Due to the outstanding leadership 
of Dr. Johnson Hughes and the entire staff, Edgewater currently 
provides services for over 30,000 clients each year. The organization 
also provides over $3 million in services to charity cases.
   Edgewater partners with other service providers, groups, and 
organizations in order to meet the needs of each person that walks 
through its doors. This year, Edgewater is honoring Dr. Daniel Lowery, 
Ph.D., president of Calumet College of Saint Joseph, with the 
Commonweal Award for Personal and Professional Leadership. This award 
recognizes distinctive contributions made by individuals who hold the 
value of the common good over personal gain. The Sojourner Truth House, 
a ministry for women and children in Gary, will be honored with the 
Commonweal Award for Institutional Leadership. This award recognizes 
institutional and organizational leadership that promotes the common 
good within communities faced with long-term, difficult challenges. For 
their exceptional commitment to the community of Northwest Indiana, and 
for touching the lives of countless individuals, each recipient is 
worthy of the honors bestowed upon them.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in honoring Edgewater Behavioral Health Services as the organization 
celebrates its 40th anniversary. Edgewater has played an important role 
in enriching the quality of life in Northwest Indiana. As a community 
we are grateful and proud to have had its support during the past 40 
years. For its remarkable leadership, devotion, and compassion shown in 
its service to so many in need, Edgewater is worthy of the highest 
praise.

[[Page E1512]]



                          ____________________