[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 31 (Friday, February 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE WEST HAVEN COMMUNITY HOUSE AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 75TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2016

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
join the West Haven community as they gather to celebrate the 75th 
Anniversary of an outstanding organization--the West Haven Community 
House. Over the course of the last seven decades, the West Haven 
Community House has provided invaluable programs and services to those 
most in need--touching the lives of thousands and improving not only 
the quality of their lives but of the community as a whole.
  The West Haven Community House was a community effort from the very 
beginning. In 1939, social worker Pauline Lang, a visionary leader, 
gathered a group of volunteers to facilitate a series of public 
meetings where residents could talk about what issues they felt were 
most important to their community. Through these discussions there came 
a clear mandate for a community center that would enhance the quality 
of life for all West Haven residents, and would serve as a hub of 
positive activities for children. Soon after, a capital campaign was 
undertaken, a Victorian home at 227 Elm Street was purchased, and in 
August 1941, incorporation papers were signed establishing the West 
Haven Community House Association.
  The Community House has always strived to ensure that the programs 
and services they offer meet the needs of every community member. Since 
the beginning every effort has been made to create an environment that 
welcomed children and adults, individuals and families alike. And as 
the needs and interests of residents have changed over the years, so 
has the Community House. Teen dances, Saturday cooking classes, after-
school activity programs and children's day camps were typical 
offerings in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Today, the Community House offers a 
host of programs for children, teens, and parents, and has expanded its 
outreach to include support for adults with developmental disabilities. 
Current programs and services include a Head Start Program; before and 
after school care for elementary school children as well as a summer 
program; the Positive Youth Development & Kids in the Neighborhood, an 
after-school enrichment program for elementary school children; and 
Community Connections, integration day activities and residential 
services for adults with developmental disabilities.
  It is not an understatement to describe the Community House as the 
cornerstone social service agency of West Haven. Serving thousands of 
area residents every year, the Community House stays true to its 
mission to facilitate healthy, productive, independent and meaningful 
lives for individuals with disabilities, and children, adolescents, and 
families. A leading voice of advocacy and quality care, this remarkable 
organization has left an indelible mark on the West Haven community. I 
am proud to stand today and extend my sincere thanks and heartfelt 
congratulations to the West Haven Community House on its 75th 
Anniversary. Their good work has made a real difference in countless 
lives and I wish them all the best for many more years of success.

                          ____________________