[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 11349-11350]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO INVERNESS, FLORIDA'S KEY TRAINING CENTER FOR THE MENTALLY 
                               CHALLENGED

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KAREN L. THURMAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2002

  Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to pay tribute to a 
wonderful not-for-profit organization in Inverness, Florida that 
provides social, educational and residential services to the 
developmentally disabled. The Key Training Center offers its clients a 
place to learn through structured classroom instruction. A place to be 
productive by helping clients work in vocational settings for 
competitive wages and a place to live in campus group homes, apartments 
and Key Pine Village, a special need's facility for clients with severe 
and profound mental retardation.
  The Centers slogan ``A Place Where Miracles Happen'' is truly evident 
when one thinks of the one thousand plus developmentally disabled 
citizens that have been a part of the Key Training Center in the last 
30 years. One reason for the success of this organization is because 
they believe emphasis should be put on ability not disability when 
dealing with anyone including the mentally impaired.
  As a not-for-profit, this organization relies on the generosity of 
others to maintain many of its programs. That is why July 19 the Key 
Training Center is proud to kick off their annual Run for the Money 
Week fund-raiser. The week begins with a celebrity dinner auction and 
is followed by a grueling 180 mile, week long run from the steps of 
Florida's Capitol to Citrus County. The run is representative of the 
challenges and obstacles that clients at the center must overcome every 
day. Last year the Key Training Center raised more than $133,000 and 
has set its goal of $135,000 for this year.
  I am so proud of this organization, its associates and clients for 
all of their hard work and dedication to such a wonderful cause. I 
would also like to submit for the Record an essay from the Key Training 
Center that truly depicts the heart of the organization:

                         The Magic of Miracles

       Imagine for a moment what life would be like if you were 
     mentally challenged and developmentally disabled. Think about 
     living each day with a life-long condition you did not create 
     and cannot cure.
       Consider the daily challenge of existing in a world that 
     recognizes beauty, status, and wealth. How does it feel to be 
     seen as different by people who do not understand? What can 
     you do to show others you have potential?
       Where can you go to laugh, learn about life and live 
     joyfully as God intends for His children? What is the promise 
     for today? And what is the promise for tomorrow and beyond? 
     How do you turn your dreams into reality?
       Miracles often occur when desire and determination find 
     challenge and opportunity. Look closely and learn how 
     miracles are the magic that give promise and hope to our 
     mentally challenged friends.
       Experience a simple, yet unforgettable, blessing when a 
     mentally handicapped person extends a hand of friendship to 
     you, warms your day with a broad smile or touches and tugs at 
     your heart with the most genuine of loving hugs.
       Discover how a dedicated staff with steadfast community 
     support continues not only a life-changing mission but a 
     compassionate ministry of kindness, love, dignity and 
     respect.
       At the core of the Key Training Center is a profound faith 
     in God and a devout belief that His love for these people and 
     this place is exceedingly boundless.
       It is difficult to explain but impossible to deny--the Key 
     Training Center is a place where miracles happen every day!


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