[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 99 (Thursday, June 9, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2889-S2890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE INDEPENDENCE ASSOCIATION

 Mr. KING. Madam President, today I wish to recognize the 
outstanding contributions of an organization based in my hometown of 
Brunswick, ME. This year marks the 55th anniversary of Independence 
Association, and I could not be more grateful to everyone who has 
contributed to the organization's work to enrich our community by 
serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. For over 
half a century, Independence Association has helped individuals rise to 
their full potential, growing up and out as fully included, fully 
valued members of their communities. Their work, their creativity, and 
their contributions make all of us better.
  The Independence Association we know today has changed over the 
decades. Its inception dates back to 1967--a time in which 
institutionalization was still prevalent--when five families founded 
the Youth Development Center to chart a different course for their 
children. The Youth Development Center immediately demonstrated that 
the right people, resources, and support made an inclusive and 
independent life a reality for their children, and they soon welcomed 
others with additional needs as well. That organization grew and, in 
1977, became Independence Association; since then, its staff, 
volunteers, and parents have gone on to empower hundreds of people with 
disabilities to enjoy enriching lives in the Maine communities we all 
love.
  Over the last 55 years, Independence Association has continued to be 
creative, collaborative, and comprehensive in supporting their clients' 
ever-evolving needs. Even during a pandemic, faced with severe staffing 
shortages, a challenging hiring environment, and stagnant reimbursement 
rates, Independence Association remains committed to the more than 400 
clients they support and the hundreds of people they employ.
  The staff, volunteers, and community partners of Independence 
Association

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have expanded over the years, and they now offer a full range of 
services in nine Maine counties and more than 60 Maine cities and 
towns. Their services range from Spindleworks--a nationally recognized 
artist's collaboration, which created the State of Maine ornament for 
the White House Christmas tree in 2017--to single-level ``Aging in 
Place'' lifetime housing. Independence Association also provides 
transportation for clients who have jobs or volunteer commitments, 
skills training for community life, case management services, and 
boundless opportunities for growth and support.
  As a champion of all people, Independence Association has grown and 
adapted with the ever-changing needs of their clients. Their vision of 
empowering people with disabilities has never waned, and our State is 
stronger because of their work. I join with the people of Maine in 
thanking Independence Association for its passionate caring, 
commitment, and unwavering service to our communities and look forward 
to their continued impact on our State.

                          ____________________