[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6115]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING PHYLLIS MITZEN WITH THE NATIONAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 
            FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2015

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my dear 
friend Phyllis Mitzen on her well-deserved recognition from the 
National Association of Social Workers. Tonight, Phyllis will be 
presented with their prestigious 2014 National Lifetime Achievement 
award. This is a fitting accolade as she has devoted most of her adult 
life to the social work profession and to improving the care and lives 
of older Americans.
  Phyllis is the co-director of the Center for Long-Term Care Reform in 
Chicago. She is known and respected as a leader in gerontological 
social work, has authored books and scholarly papers in the field, and 
was integral in reforming long-term care in Illinois by helping to 
craft trailblazing reform legislation. In addition, she serves on a 
number of statewide advisory boards and commissions. She has also 
influenced and inspired many as the coordinator of the Older Adult 
Studies Program at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service 
Administration.
  Before her work at the Center for Long-Term Care Reform, Phyllis 
spent close to 25 years helping to establish the Council for Jewish 
Elderly's important presence in our community, first as Director of 
Home and Community Based Services and ultimately as Director of 
Government Affairs. Under Phyllis' leadership, CJE Senior Life expanded 
programming to offer a myriad of services, from evaluating the evolving 
needs of seniors to adult day programs and other supportive services 
which allow individuals to remain in their home and community with 
dignity. It is critical that such comprehensive and supportive programs 
are available in our area, and CJE Senior Life gives seniors 
appropriate services through professional care. It is a testament to 
Phyllis' amazing contributions to seniors and their families.
  Phyllis has served as a mentor and friend to many. I join with them 
in applauding her steadfast commitment to fighting for the dignity and 
care of older Americans and in thanking her for her decades of work in 
our community.

                          ____________________