[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10461]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 10461]]

                       TRIBUTE TO JAMES P. LEDDY

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
James P. Leddy, an outstanding Vermonter and humanitarian. In 
recognition of his retirement as Executive Director of The Howard 
Center for Human Services in Burlington, VT, it is important to reflect 
on how much one person can accomplish in serving others.
  From the beginning of his career, Jim was drawn to serving the most 
needy, most isolated, and often the most misunderstood and underserved 
people in our society. His work took him to individuals who were 
incarcerated, living with illness or disability, and to those 
recovering from addiction.
  Jim began his 30-year history of compassionate service to Vermonters 
as a direct-service provider and quickly rose to leadership positions. 
His vision for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities put 
him at the helm of The Howard Center for Human Services. Under his 
direction ``community inclusion'' and ``self-determination'' became the 
guiding principles for serving individuals and their families. Those 
who had historically been sheltered from society began to live, work 
and recreate in their communities.
  Not only has The Howard Center for Human Services been recognized for 
developing new and innovative programs, but Vermont also gained 
recognition for showing the way to other States in the country. Jim is 
to be commended for the part he played in national movement to provide 
community-based services to people with disabilities.
  Under Jim's leadership, The Howard Center grew from a budget of $1.6 
million with a staff of 55 to a budget of $30 million and a staff of 
over 550 individuals. While Jim was growing a mental health service, he 
also advocated for relationships and wrap-around services with other 
providers. In this, as in every other capacity, his mark has been felt 
far beyond the boundaries of Chittenden County, VT.
  Vermont has much to be grateful for, in view of Jim's steadfast 
commitment to improving the quality of life in our State. He was a 
founding member of programs such as the Champlain Valley Crime Stoppers 
and Dismas House, a residential program for ex-offenders. He has served 
on boards, such as the Mayor's Council on Human Services for the City 
of Burlington, the Governor's Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse 
Problems, and the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse 
Directors, to name a few. Jim is a true public servant, and in 1999, he 
became a member of the Vermont State Legislature and brought his 
knowledge, experience and deep commitment to Vermont to all its 
citizens. It is reassuring to know that his legacy will lead The Howard 
Center for Human Services and the greater community of Vermont itself 
for years to come.
  Jim's unwavering commitment toward improving the status of Vermont 
and its citizens serves as a testament to us all. Vermont is truly 
indebted to him. His deep commitment to the citizens of the Green 
Mountain State has endeared him to us. He has our sincerest good wishes 
for the future.

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