[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 14, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E488-E489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF COMMUNITY HOPE

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 14, 2015

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Community Hope, 
Inc., located in Parsippany, New Jersey as it celebrates its 30th 
Anniversary.
  Community Hope, a non-profit organization created in 1985, was 
created by families and mental health professionals who sought to 
provide a safe haven for young adults who were recovering from 
debilitating mental illnesses. Today, Community Hope offers housing and 
essential services to young adults and individuals recovering from 
mental illness. This non-profit strives to be a model for organizations 
seeking to assist people suffering from mental illness by implementing 
a comprehensive housing and support program for these individuals. 
Community Hope's mission is to support people and their families, 
including veterans, in combating mental illness, addiction, poverty, 
and homelessness.
  For thirty years Community Hope has offered housing and care for 
those suffering from mental illness. Community Hope's first therapeutic 
residence included professional counselors who assisted individuals in 
successfully transitioning back to communal and familial life after 
years of psychiatric hospitalization. In 2004, Community Hope proudly 
opened the largest transitional housing program in New Jersey for 
homeless veterans.
  Over the past fifteen years, Community Hope has vastly expanded its 
operations. During the course of these fifteen years, Community Hope 
has increased the number of individuals it assists from 57 to over 400. 
The non-profit has also increased its budget by almost $10 million 
since the year 2000. Originally operating under the name Project Hope, 
the organization currently inspires hope through its several housing 
facilities, including the Valley Brook Village at Lyons Veterans 
Hospital, which assists veterans and individuals at risk of becoming 
homeless.
  Community Hope continues to expand its presence in New Jersey with 
the goal of assisting as many people recovering from mental illness as 
possible. In particular, this non-profit launched its multi-year 450 
Campaign in 2011. Through this campaign, Community Hope seeks to serve 
as many as 450 individuals a day who require assistance. The 450 
Campaign was so successful that it has transformed into the 1,250 
Campaign, with the goal of assisting 1,250 individuals in one calendar 
year. Community Hope has also expanded its role in helping veterans and 
their families through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families 
Program. Community Hope was one of the first organizations to be 
awarded an SSVF grant to establish this program, and now is the largest 
SSVF Program in New Jersey.
  Community Hope also hosts events to raise awareness about mental 
health issues and fund its operations. Community Hope's upcoming events 
include its Flag Day 5k Run and Fun Walk, the 19th Annual Sparkle of 
Hope Gala, and its Annual Learning Forum and Wellness Fair, which is 
focused on contemporary living and spirituality.

[[Page E489]]

  To celebrate 30 successful years of providing housing and care for 
individuals with mental illness, Community Hope is hosting its 
Thirtieth Anniversary Reception on Thursday, April 30th. The reception 
will be held at the Lowenstein Sandler Reception Center, located at 75 
Livingston Avenue in Roseland, New Jersey.
  I commend the members of Community Hope, its Board of Trustees and 
Board of Directors, especially its chief executive officer, J. Michael 
Armstrong, for their dedication to providing for the welfare of 
individuals battling mental illness. Community Hope serves as the 
perfect model for other non-profits seeking to administer these 
critical services.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Community Hope as it celebrates its 30th Anniversary.

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