[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23913]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE FAMILY VISITOR PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 1, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and 
this nation to pay tribute to an outstanding organization from my 
district. The Family Visitor Program of Glenwood Springs, Colorado 
works to promote healthy families by supporting parents of newborns. 
The program's caregivers go to new parents, giving them a helping hand 
and reminding them that they are not alone. The program has worked 
tirelessly to strengthen Colorado's families, and I am honored to 
recognize the Family Visitor Program here today.
  The Family Visitor Program began in 1983 after a study by the 
University of Colorado found that parents of newborns were often 
located far away from their extended families. This separation 
contributes to a sense of isolation and loneliness, especially when 
planning and caring for a new baby. The program began sending 
caregivers to the homes of families of newborns and expectant mothers 
in order to combat these feelings of loneliness, and they have 
continued to do so for twenty years. Newborns that were visited in the 
early days of the program are now parents themselves and are utilizing 
the benefits of this program.
  Mr. Speaker, the work done by the Family Visitor Program strengthens 
the very core of our community: the family. For twenty years, new 
parents have been able to turn to the program for guidance and support, 
and their children have been given the chance to begin life in a 
happier environment. For these reasons and for their hard work, I am 
honored to join with my colleagues in paying tribute to the Family 
Visitor Program here today.

                          ____________________