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Rep. Gwen Moore

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. for 100 years of service in the great State of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Community Services, Inc., or WCS, was founded in 1912 as the ``Society for the Friendless'' and is the largest and oldest non-profit criminal justice organization in the State of Wisconsin.

WCS' original mission has remained constant from its inception to present day: to assist people who were incarcerated; to assist the families left behind; and ``to advocate for justice and community safety by providing innovative opportunities for individuals to overcome adversity.'' During its 100-year history, WCS has helped to increase public safety and strengthen communities by giving disenfranchised residents the tools and support they need to be healthy, law-abiding, and productive.

I applaud WCS for offering alternatives that have resulted in lower recidivism rates compared to incarceration, thereby providing significant savings to taxpayers. The organization takes every opportunity to provide both innovative and evidence-based programming in a variety of service areas including the following: residential re-entry and workforce development; court services; services to persons with alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA); services to those with mental health or co-occurring disorders; and services for youth. In 2011 alone, WCS has served more than 15,000 individuals.

Mr. Speaker, WCS agency has made a tremendous impact and left its imprint on the historic, cultural, and civic life of the people of Wisconsin. I am proud that WCS is located in the 4th Congressional District providing support services and tools to help people successfully reintegrate into the community. I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting WCS in recognition of 100 years of advocating for justice and community safety by providing innovative opportunities for individuals to overcome adversity.