In Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of Merci CONGRESSMAN ADAM B. SCHIFF OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 08, 2006 Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Merci on its 50th anniversary. Dedicated to serving the developmentally disabled members of our community, Merci has helped countless people make significant strides toward reaching their goals and achieving fulfilling lives. Merci has its roots working with developmentally disabled children. In 1955, the Monterey Park Exchange Club determined that there was a need for a school dedicated to developmentally disabled children, and Merci was formed. Merci was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1959, and the early years were devoted to working primarily with children. In 1967, Merci was authorized by the Regional Centers of California to serve all people diagnosed with developmental disabilities. As the educational landscape changed over time, it became one of Merci's central aims to prepare developmentally disabled children for enrollment in public school special education classes; to this end, Merci added a program geared especially toward preschoolers. Merci continued to grow and thrive, and the organization expanded to include a Work Activity Center for adolescents and young adults. After a series of laws regarding handicapped children and public education passed in the 1970s, Merci's focus in 1976 shifted to working with its older clients. To this day Merci continues to provide unsurpassed service to its clients. In keeping with its outstanding tradition of helping others, in the past few years Merci started two new programs that allow the organization to serve an even greater number of clients. As a part of one of the programs, Merci staff travel to the homes of clients with special medical needs and work with them on an individual basis. Merci has also opened its first group home, Ernie's Place, which offers 24-hour supervised care for its clients. The Merci staff's commitment and dedication to serving the developmentally disabled members of our community is to be commended. Without Merci, many people would not be living the quality lives that they are living today. I am proud to congratulate Merci on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. I ask all Members of Congress to join me in honoring Merci and the Merci staff for their dedication to making our community a better place in which to live.