[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING COMMONWEAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 13, 2016

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Commonweal, 
a nonprofit in Marin County, California, in honor of their 40th 
anniversary. By serving our community in innumerable ways, from 
offering a healing space for people living with illnesses to providing 
educational opportunities to advocating for juvenile justice reform, 
Commonweal has had a unique and far-reaching influence across many 
issues and areas for a generation.
   Founded in 1976 by Michael Lerner, Carolyn Brown, and Burr Heneman, 
Commonweal was envisioned as a healing space to serve people and the 
planet. From the beginning, their partnership with the National Park 
Service has helped supply an appropriate backdrop--a scenic 60-acre 
site just south of the Point Reyes National Seashore--for the 
compassionate, attentive work done by the dedicated staff and 
Commonweal community over the years.
   Commonweal's efforts have touched countless lives within three broad 
areas of focus. Their health and healing programing includes week-long 
retreats for people with cancer and yoga therapy classes. Their efforts 
to support the arts and education include classes for teachers and 
students to better integrate creative thinking into school curriculum. 
Finally, their advocacy for the environment and justice incorporates 
work on health effects of environmental factors and research on 
juvenile justice laws. Their work is multifaceted and extensive, and 
has left a lasting, positive impact that can be felt throughout our 
community.
   For four decades, Commonweal has been a beloved, wide-reaching 
organization, and they have contributed significantly to West Marin's 
culture and character. It is therefore appropriate that we honor them 
today for their ongoing work and congratulate them on their anniversary 
celebration.

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