[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17528]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST SAVINGS BANK OF PERKASIE AND THE WELLSPRING 
                               CLUBHOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2011

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the 
complications of mental illness in the United States, and to honor a 
local organization in my district for their efforts in assisting 
individuals who are recovering from these illnesses. According to the 
National Institute of Mental Health, mental illness affects 57.7 
million adults in the U.S. per year. Four out of the ten leading causes 
of disability in the United States are mental disorders. There is no 
clear-cut socio-economic basis for these statistics; it is evident that 
mental illness can affect almost anyone, and the impacts on our economy 
are staggering.
  Despite the disheartening statistics, mental illness is treatable, 
and there is much hope for people who battle with these afflictions. 
Given the right tools, people with mental illness can achieve their 
goals and be productive members of society. The First Savings Bank of 
Perkasie and the Wellspring Clubhouse work hard to help individuals 
recovering from mental illness in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and they 
deserve to be recognized for their outstanding achievements.
  On behalf of the 8th District of Pennsylvania, I am pleased to 
recognize the work of Fred Schea and Marie Koch of the First Savings 
Bank of Perkasie, in their collaboration with the Wellspring Clubhouse 
to provide employment opportunities for individuals recovering from 
mental illnesses. Thus far, First Savings Bank has provided an 
opportunity for 10 individuals to return to work in the community, 
gaining valuable experience, and life skills. Wellspring Clubhouse 
members work in the Bank's Customer Care Center, which is supervised by 
Marie Koch. Members work alongside other Bank employees, and are 
responsible for scanning bank documents, verifying data, and performing 
data entry. Marie and Fred have been outstanding community employment 
partners, and I am honored to be their representative in the 8th 
District of Pennsylvania.
  It is a pleasure to honor First Savings Bank of Perkasie for their 
commitment to the Wellspring Clubhouse and its mission of providing 
hope and opportunities for people with mental illness. Thank you once 
again for all that you do for the Bucks County community.

                          ____________________