[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 15696] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS REGIONAL SOCIAL SERVICES ______ HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Southern Illinois Regional Social Services (SIRSS). The origin of SIRSS can actually be traced to February 10, 1958, with the meeting of a temporary committee whose purpose was to organize a mental health association and clinic in Jackson County, Illinois. Through the dedicated work of a small group of individuals, the Southern Illinois Mental Health Clinic (SIMHC) was opened in October of 1959 with the first full year of services in 1960. As the organization evolved to meet its service offerings and geographic area, its name would be modified to reflect that growth. Jackson County Community Mental Health Center was the name adopted in the 1960's and then, in the 1990's, it became Southern Illinois Regional Social Services (SIRSS). SIRSS has always been a dynamic organization, adding new services and evaluating existing services to make sure they are effective, in line with their core mission and addressing the needs of their clients. Substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, wellness education, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and satellite offices are all examples of the variety of services SIRSS has added through the years. One of the earliest annual reports listed an average clinic caseload of 58 community patients. This has grown to over 2,000 people served annually today. Clearly the need is great and SIRSS has grown to meet that need. Through 50 years of growth, however, they have stayed true to their founding commitment to Build Better Lives and their promise: ``You are not alone. We care. We know how to help.'' Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the board of directors, administration and staff of Southern Illinois Regional Social Services on their 50th Anniversary and wishing them the very best for many more years to come. ____________________