Recognizing and Honoring the Children's Crisis Treatment Center and its Executive Director, Tony Valdés, on 40 years of exemplary and innovative service to Philadelphia's Children.

WHEREAS, The Children's Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC) is a private non-profit committed to serving the needs of Philadelphia's children and helping them reach their full potential regardless of their challenges; and

WHEREAS, CCTC was conceived in 1971 by psychologist Louise Sandler as an organization focused on the mental health needs of preschool aged children with emotional and behavioral health needs; and

WHEREAS, In conjunction with Hahnemann Hospital and the Franklin Institute, this groundbreaking program received its initial funding from the U.S. Bureau of Education to develop and provide treatment for children who in their young lives have experienced severe abuse and trauma; and

WHEREAS, In 1978 CCTC moved to its long-time home on 18th and Callowhill and expanded its mission to meet the needs of more children, as the organization evolved into a multifaceted service provider with a committed team of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and early education specialists' on staff; and

WHEREAS, As CCTC has grown it has continued to find innovative ways to reach children and families in need, creating the first out-patient Trauma Treatment Program in Philadelphia, and establishing neighborhood based programs to increase access throughout the City; and

WHEREAS, CCTC has been blessed with 16 years of visionary leadership from Executive Director Tony Valdés, a tenure that has seen CCTC expand from 45 to 350 employees that now serve 2300 youth and families across 14 locations in the region; and

WHEREAS, CCTC has become a leader in its field, developing and advocating for best practices in treating the emotional needs of children; and

WHEREAS, CCTC is nationally recognized for its outstanding work, receiving the 2012 “Excellence in Behavioral Healthcare” award from the National Council of Community Behavioral Health; and

WHEREAS, CCTC continues to be a cutting-edge service provider, constantly striving to reach at-risk youth and families, and pushing to make these vital services available at home, at school, and in the community; and

WHEREAS, CCTC will be celebrating its 40th anniversary at a gala event at the Bellevue on June 7th , 2013; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA recognizes and honors CCTC and its Executive Director, Tony Valdés, on 40 years of devoted service to the City of Philadelphia. Your compassion and tireless commitment to our neediest children is truly remarkable, and we wish you many more years of continued success.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that an Engrossed Copy of this resolution be presented to CCTC and Tony Valdés as an expression of the sincere admiration and respect of this body.

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