[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 144 (Tuesday, September 17, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WEST CARE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2024

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today, we gather to commemorate a remarkable 
milestone in the field of healthcare and community service--the 50th 
Anniversary of West Care. This historic occasion is a testament to the 
enduring legacy and unwavering commitment of West Care to improving 
various physical, mental, and behavioral health issues in the 
community.
  Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program of Central California 
(CDAAPCC) was founded in the spring of 1973 under the visionary 
leadership of four master's graduates from California State University 
of Fresno in aspirations of finding a solution of the rising issue of 
substance abuse in Fresno, CA. Of the four initial founders, only one, 
Robert ``Bob'' Klise, MSW, continued the original mission. What began 
as a thesis, would grow exponentially over the next 50 years to provide 
behavioral health and human services in the Golden State and beyond.
  The legacy that has transcended from 1973 until 2024 has left an 
undeniable impact on many. In 1973 the Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol 
Abuse Program of Central California (CDAAPCC) was founded to facilitate 
the creation of a treatment program. In 1974, The Third Floor of the 
program received funding and was able to admit its first client in 
1975. The project at hand continued to prosper and in search of new 
ways to assist the community, residential services expanded to include 
women's treatments in 1985.
  Further expansion allowed for a new recovery residence to promote 
aftercare in 1988. In 1992, The Third Floor entered a management 
contract with West Care following the passing of founder, Bob Klise. In 
efforts to continue his legacy after his passing, The Third Floor began 
offering outpatient treatments. 1999 was a pivotal year for The Third 
Floor as it merged with West Care to become West Care California, 
Veteran services were introduced with the Homefront Grant-Per-Diem 
Transitional Housing Program. Education, and prevention services were 
also introduced with the Women 2 Women program for mothers, who were 
affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS. Treatment services broadened into 
perinatal services to tie young children into their parent's 
treatments. Last, but most certainly not least, California's longest 
running program, MLK residential, was founded with the management 
provided by West Care. Within the following years, many programs, such 
as: The Living Room, San Joaquin Valley Veterans, Youth Services in 
Kings, and Options Program were introduced and merged with West Care.
  In 2014, the Criminal Justice Services expanded with the introduction 
of the Custody to Community Transition Reentry Program (CCTRP) in San 
Diego. That same year, extension into Housing Opportunities for non-
Veteran individuals and families experiencing homelessness with the 
project LiftOFF program was also introduced. Within 2021-2023 more 
programs such as Housing Support, New Model of Care, and Wings Advocacy 
Fresno also collaborated with West Care to provide additional support.
  West Cares mission is both clear and commendable. The community 
outreach efforts have left an indelible mark on the Central Valley. 
Their commitment to uplifting the human spirit is unwavering, with 
numerous organizations and program support. Their advocacy efforts are 
rooted in the promotion of working, growing, and learning together. As 
we stand on the cusp of West Cares 50th Anniversary, it is incumbent 
upon us to recognize and celebrate this momentous occasion. It 
represents five decades of unwavering dedication, advocacy, and service 
to the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my esteemed colleagues to join me in honoring 
West Care. Let us celebrate their legacy and their ongoing commitment 
to changing lives and improving communities in which it operates.

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