[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12571]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING BRIDGES . . . A COMMUNITY SUPPORT SYSTEM, INC., AS THEY 
                    CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2007

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today to extend my 
sincere congratulations to Bridges . . . A Community Support System, 
Inc., of Milford, Connecticut, as they celebrate their 50th 
anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone for this outstanding 
organization dedicated to providing support and mental health services 
to those in need.
  Originally founded in 1957 as the Milford Family Counseling 
Association, the organization's mission initially focused on addressing 
the mental health needs of children in the Milford community. The 
organization expanded and so did its scope of services--including adult 
psychiatric services, drug and alcohol prevention services and opening 
its doors to the neighboring communities of Orange and West Haven. As 
the needs of our communities and its residents changed, so did the 
agency as well as its name. Designated in the 1990s by the State of 
Connecticut as the Local Mental Health Authority, the organization made 
its final name change in 1999 to Bridges . . . A Community Support 
System to better reflect its purpose and mission.
  Today, Bridges, working with local agencies and organizations, is 
able to provide a multitude of programs to those most in need. From 
individual counseling to bereavement support; teenage drug and alcohol 
prevention to vocational and social rehabilitation services, Bridges 
and its dedicated staff have continually identified the changing needs 
of our community. The partnerships they have established allow them to 
provide comprehensive services to their clients--making a real 
difference in the lives of thousands of children and families.
  In building upon the vision first established with the Milford Family 
Counseling Association, Bridges has been able to provide those coping 
with the challenges of mental illnesses with one of life's most 
precious gifts--hope. Through its gift of hope, Bridges has left an 
indelible mark on our community and the thousands of lives they have 
touched. In its 50 year history, Bridges has established itself as an 
invaluable resource as well as respected advocates--not only for their 
clients, but community leaders and policy-makers alike.
  Today, Bridges is continuing its legacy of helping people live more 
fulfilling and productive lives by providing clients with ``Pathways to 
Health, Hope, and Recovery.'' For its many invaluable contributions to 
our community and for all of their work on behalf of our children and 
families, I am proud to stand today and extend my sincere 
congratulations to the Bridges . . . A Community Support System on 
their 50th anniversary.

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