[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 15] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 21649] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIFETRACK RESOURCES ______ HON. BETTY McCOLLUM of minnesota in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Lifetrack Resources in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on its 60th anniversary. During the past six decades, Lifetrack Resources has grown from a small charity into one of the largest community-based nonprofits serving families and individuals throughout the Twin Cities region. Lifetrack Resources was originally founded on September 1, 1948, as the St. Paul Rehabilitation Center to meet the needs of injured veterans returning from World War II and the polio epidemic. In a true collaboration, the Amherst H. Wilder Charity, the Junior League of St. Paul, the MN Society for Crippled Children and Adults, and the board of directors of Family Nursing Service of St. Paul came together to meet the needs of the community. These partnerships have continued through the years, and young children with disabilities received preschool education and both children and adults were provided physical, occupational, and speech therapy services at Lifetrack Resources. Over the years, Lifetrack developed model rehabilitation therapies and employment programs that were expanded through mergers with the Jewish Vocation Service to establish a comprehensive rehabilitation center and the St. Paul Hearing and Speech Center to provide audiology services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. In 2000, St. Paul Rehabilitation Center was renamed Lifetrack Resources to embody the organization's extensive service to the greater Twin Cities area. Today, Lifetrack Resources provides effective employment services and therapies to a wide-range of adults and children who encounter multiple obstacles to achievement--including those facing some of the most difficult challenges--immigrants and refugees, people with mental illness, individuals with criminal records, and our homeless population. Partnering with community organizations, Lifetrack Resources helps over 11,000 people each year to make positive changes in their lives by providing the skills and support they need, resulting in increased employment and economic opportunities and empowered healthy families. I have seen first hand how the success stories that Lifetrack Resources fosters continue to not only save government funds and improve our economy, but also strengthen our community's health and well-being. Madam Speaker, in honor of Lifetrack Resources' committed donors, staff, volunteers, community partners, and clients, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the 60th anniversary of Lifetrack Resources. ____________________