Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Catholic Charities of Monroe County

HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF MONROE COUNTY -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 24, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. JOHN D. DINGELL
OF MICHIGAN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2004

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Catholic Charities of Monroe County in honor of its 50th anniversary.

The Catholic Charities of Monroe County, which is located in my district, began in 1952 under the leadership of Joseph O'Connor, and was incorporated into the Archdiocese of Detroit in September, 1954. Since its inception, the organization has touched many individuals with their education, health and human services programs.

In their 50 years of service, the Catholic Charities of Monroe County assisted over 142,000 individual requests. The adoption program they created in 1959 placed approximately 800 children with adoptive families. Catholic Charities started numerous counseling programs for separated families, senior citizens, and substance abuse treatment and prevention. Additionally, they helped offenders in the criminal justice system, as well as established services for runaways. Other services included the Local Migrant Program, Head Start, Early Childhood Education, and at-risk youth and adult programs. Through these various programs, one theme is steadily apparent: the Catholic Charities of Monroe County has consistently come to the aid of those most in need.

The Catholic Charities of Monroe County continues to make much needed contributions to their community, and with recent successful fundraisers will do so for many years to come. Indeed, through the dedication of this humanitarian agency, Monroe County is a better place to live and work.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in commending the Catholic Charities of Monroe County on providing 50 years of exemplary service to the Michigan community and in wishing them many more years of success.