[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 958]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING PARSONS CHILD AND FAMILY CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 26, 2005

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize and honor an organization that has provided compassionate and 
dedicated service to children and families in New York for over 175 
years. The Parsons Child and Family Center and their hardworking staff 
currently serve more than 7,000 children and their families, by 
providing residential and foster care services and by specializing in 
special education prevention and mental health services.
  The mission of the Parsons Child and Family Center has evolved over 
time. Starting as a foster home for destitute children, this 
organization's primary goal today is the preservation of families. It 
has become a treatment-oriented institution offering intensive, 
therapeutic services to emotionally disturbed children. The Parsons 
Child and Family Center recognizes the vital role that a family plays 
in the upbringing of our children, and it does all it can to prevent 
the need for foster care placement. After a period of rehabilitation, 
the Parsons Child and Family Center endeavors to return these children 
to their families and communities as soon as possible.
  The Parsons Center provides invaluable services to countless children 
and families across New York State, children in dire need of special 
care and assistance. The tireless and selfless work of organizations 
like the Parsons Child and Family Center constitutes the foundation of 
our nation's communities and embodies the true spirit of the United 
States. America's greatness is found in ordinary citizens performing 
extraordinary acts of kindness.
  The Parsons Child and Family Center is due recognition for their work 
with the American family. We should honor the devoted staff of this 
organization, not only for the lives they touch and the families they 
heal, but for the example they set for us all.
  I ask my fellow members of the House of Representatives to send our 
gratitude to the Parsons Child and Family Center for its most 
praiseworthy work.

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