[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONTRA COSTA SENIOR LEGAL SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2026

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Contra Costa 
Senior Legal Services (CCSLS) as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. 
Since 1976, CCSLS has worked tirelessly to improve quality of life and 
provide accessible legal assistance, advocacy, and education for Contra 
Costa's seniors.
  CCSLS has demonstrated their steadfast commitment to serving 
vulnerable populations in our community. Around 1,000 clients per year 
receive guidance with issues that adversely affect the lives of 
seniors. By providing legal advice, advocacy, educational resources, 
and representation with tenants' rights, consumer protection, simple 
wills, and public benefits issues, CCSLS has successfully protected 
their clients from physical, financial, and emotional abuse. From 
helping clients stay in their homes to navigating Social Security 
benefits, CCSLS has shown their dedication to providing accessible 
support to our community's seniors.
  They also work to educate our community members through local 
outreach events, providing seniors with the tools necessary to 
recognize identity theft scams or signs of elder abuse--ensuring assets 
are safeguarded and legal remedies are sought. County-wide, CCSLS' free 
legal clinics are staffed by pro-bono attorneys who provide information 
and advice on general legal issues. As a result, they have helped their 
clients avoid eviction, fight against unsafe housing, legally grant 
Power of Attorney, appeal Social Security denials, and file restraining 
orders against those who commit elder abuse. Last year alone, CCSLS 
helped recover over $190,000 for Contra Costa's seniors, provided 530 
hours of pro-bono service, and hosted 106 free legal clinics. CCSLS' 
work has touched the lives of thousands of Contra Costa residents, and 
they have had a profound impact in our community.
  Please join me in honoring Contra Costa Senior Legal Services for 
their critical work and in celebrating their 50th anniversary.

                          ____________________