[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 20575-20576]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SOUTHLAKE CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to 
congratulate the Southlake Center for Mental Health located in Lake 
County, Indiana as it celebrates its 25 anniversary this month. The 
Southlake Center for Mental Health will commemorate its 25 years of 
dedicated service to the communities of Northwest Indiana at a gala 
celebration to be held at Villa Cesare in Schererville, Indiana. The 
celebration will serve as an opportunity for the Southlake Center for 
Mental Health to reaffirm its commitment to excellence in mental health 
services to every individual in Merrillville, Hobart, Crown Point and 
the surrounding, communities.
  The Southlake Center for Mental Health was conceived early in 1975. 
In July, 1977, the Southlake Center began operations, initially 
offering outpatient, consultation and education services in leased 
facilities. By working together with community leaders and educating 
the public about community mental health care, the main center at 8555 
Taft Street opened in Merrillville in 1979 on a 10-acre tract of land.
  During the past two decades, the Southlake Center for Mental Health 
has continued to grow and change, reflecting the needs of the 
communities while remaining committed to the highest caliber of mental 
health care. To those in need of mental health care, there is nothing 
more precious. During the past 25 years, the Southlake Center for 
Mental Health has been a beacon of hope in Northwest Indiana, providing 
community based mental health and addiction treatment services to more 
than 40,000 individuals.
  In its 25 years of existence, the Southlake Center for Mental Health 
has had the support of several residents and leaders in the community. 
One such tireless leader and advocate for mental health care is Lee 
Strawhun. Lee is a dreamer, a visionary and a hard working realist. His 
involvement in the lives of the people of Northwest Indiana is genuine, 
compassionate and committed. As the President and CEO of the Southlake 
Center for Mental Health, Lee has steered the center through obstacles, 
growth and so much more. In addition to Lee's devotion, the members of 
the Southlake Center for Mental Health Board of Directors have played a 
vital role in assuring that the organization is one of the best 
community based behavioral healthcare organization in the state. 
Members of the Board of Directors include: Ronald Borto, Chairman; Mary 
Beth Bonaventura; Harold Foster; Drew Furuness; Edmund Gunn; Charles 
Kleinschmidt; Donald Levinson; James McShane, III; C. Robert Onda; 
Patricia Schaadt; and Larry Shaver. Additionally, this 25th anniversary 
celebration would not be possible without the continued dedication of 
the entire staff at the center, specifically, Dr. Cheryl Morgavan, Dr. 
Les Schiller and Valerie Madvek, who are also celebrating 25 years with 
the Southlake Center.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending the administrators, health care professionals, and 
other individuals who, over the years, have contributed to the 
Southlake Center for Mental Health's success in achieving its standard 
of excellence. Their hard work has improved the quality of life for 
everyone in Indiana's First Congressional District.

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