[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LAKE COUNTY CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER AND THE OPENING OF 
                          THEIR HEALING GARDEN

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT J. DOLD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lake County 
Children's Advocacy Center and the groundbreaking ceremony of their new 
Healing Garden. Since its opening in 1987, the Lake County Children's 
Advocacy Center's mission has been to provide a protective environment 
for child victims of abuse. In addition to sensitively approaching 
these victims in a respectful, thoughtful manner and helping them to 
recover from their traumas, the Center investigates and prosecutes 
their abusers in partnership with the Lake County State's Attorney's 
Office and local Lake County police departments.
  One of the most effective services the Children's Advocacy Center 
offers is the opportunity for the victims to interact with their 
veteran comfort dog, Mitchell, who gives them compassion and solace 
throughout their entire recovery process. The Healing Garden is another 
creative initiative by the Children's Advocacy Center that will aid 
children and their families throughout the healing process by creating 
a safe place to interact and reflect, as well as gain strength and hope 
for the future. The Garden is assured to be a cornerstone of healing at 
a Center that facilitates that precious help for so many of the hurting 
children in our community.

                          ____________________