[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 78 (Monday, May 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             HONORING HANNA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hanna, 
as they celebrate their 75th anniversary.
  Since its founding in 1945, Hanna has helped over 4,000 young people 
in need. Initially created to address the troubling rise in juvenile 
delinquency in boys after the end of World War II, Hanna has gone to 
great lengths to transform the lives of young people in Sonoma County.
  The two main parts of Hanna consist of the Hanna Academy and the 
Hanna Center, which each do important work to benefit the lives of the 
young people they serve. Hanna Academy, for example, is dedicated to 
working with students that require trauma-informed empowerment, 
education, and training, and ensuring that they will meaningfully 
benefit from the organization's educational expertise. The Hanna 
Center, which is separate from Hanna Academy, works to provide mental 
health treatment and support for low-income children and teenagers, who 
are otherwise underserved in our community. The work that Hanna is 
doing to benefit the most vulnerable in our community is commendable.
  And they are endeavoring to expand their services. The Hanna Center 
recently opened a Community Mental Health Hub, which offers mental 
health services to all people, regardless of age. They also started 
their Transitional Housing Program, which works with young adults to 
work towards independent living, while living in a safe, supportive 
environment. These two programs, along with the advent of their new 
Vocational Training Program, will ensure that the most vulnerable 
members of our community are being adequately served and given the 
resources they need to thrive. Hanna's dedication to uplifting and 
empowering our Sonoma County children is admirable, which is why they 
are deserving of this recognition.
  In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health support and 
trauma counseling for children is more desperately needed than ever. 
Hanna has committed to filling this need and ensuring that every child 
and young adult who leaves their programs is equipped with the tools 
they need to succeed and live happy lives.
  I am excited to honor all of Hanna's work at their 75th anniversary 
gala and fundraiser. This event is crucial to ensuring that all their 
important programs can continue with full funding. Hanna's critical 
role in our community is why I am thrilled to honor them here today.
  Mr. Speaker, Hanna is deeply appreciated for their tireless work on 
behalf of our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we 
honor Hanna on its 75th anniversary.

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