[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 38 (Tuesday, February 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMEMORATING CARES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2023

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of a tremendous asset in the communities I serve. For more 
than 50 years, CARES has been working to create a caring community 
committed to strengthening lives and creating positive futures for 
seniors in Pasco and Hernando counties. CARES serves people from all 
walks of life through their personal journey of aging and offers a 
broad spectrum of services and programs to help seniors live as they 
wish--Independently in their own homes.
  CARES In-Home Health delivers assistance to help low-income, frail 
elders with basic services to ensure they are able to maintain their 
independence in a safe manner. CARES Senior Centers help elderly 
individuals stay connected to their world and their community through 
social activities, computer learning, educational programs, wellness 
initiatives and recreational activities. Research has shown that 
remaining active and engaged is positively correlated with living a 
longer, healthier life and CARES helps to make that a reality for many.
  CARES also provides critical respite services through its Adult Day 
Care programs. Through this initiative, caregivers have the peace of 
mind of knowing their loved ones are supervised while they take some 
personal time away from caregiving. And, CARES runs a senior health 
clinic to serve those who are 55 years and older, low-income, and 
uninsured. It was my privilege to advocate for this tremendous agency 
by sponsoring a community budget request to secure $2.5 million to for 
CARES to expand its footprint in the area. These funds will be used to 
purchase land and build an 8,000 square foot ``One Stop Senior 
Center.'' CARES anticipates promoting quality of life and independence 
for frail and vulnerable seniors and their families at this center. A 
safe environment where the lives of senior citizens and their 
caregivers and families of West/Central Pasco will be enriched by the 
existence of a ``One Stop Senior Center'' geared to assist these 
individuals with in-home and community care to remain living 
independently in their communities and prevent institutional/nursing 
home placement. Other direct services will include Adult Day Care 
facility, Case Management to provide information and referrals; mental 
health counseling and a FREE Health Clinic for non-invasive medical 
care.
  As we celebrate this important milestone in CARES history, we look 
forward to another 50 years of outstanding service to local seniors 
throughout our community.

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