Floor Speech2026-06-02

RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF ANN FISHER RANEY

Context

On 2026-06-02, Representative Janice D. Schakowsky (D-IL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF ANN FISHER RANEY" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E509] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF ANN FISHER RANEY ______ HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ann Fisher Raney on her retirement from Turning Point Behavioral Health. Ann spent three decades serving Turning Point and led it as Chief Executive Officer for twenty-five years--a quarter of a century. Turning Point, a vital not- for-profit organization in the 9th Congressional District, provides essential mental health support to a vulnerable population of clients, 94 percent of whom are low-income. Under Ann's leadership, Turning Point has grown steadily in size, scope, and reputation, to better serve the growing needs of the community. What began as a community mental health agency evolved into a regional leader, now serving over 1,000 clients annually across outpatient therapy, residential programming, case management, and free 24/7 crisis support. One of Ann's signature achievements was the 2011 launch of the Living Room program, which offered something the field was only beginning to recognize as necessary: a free, welcoming alternative to the emergency room for adults in mental health crisis. Fifteen years later, the program maintains a 98 percent success rate in keeping guests out of the hospital and offers expert and compassionate care, including crisis intervention, support, and mentoring. The broader mental health field has taken notice and the Living Room has become a model program-- Turning Point receives praise whenever it is mentioned. Turning Point received the highest ratings from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and has been recognized with a host of awards recognizing their impact broadly and locally in the communities they serve. These achievements reflect the dedication and skill of everyone at Turning Point, with Ann as their steady, thoughtful and gifted leader. As a result of these and other efforts, Ann was personally honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter. I have had the privilege and pleasure of knowing and working with Ann for the past 3 decades, and what the awards and statistics cannot fully capture is the calm, thoughtful steadiness she brought to this work. She and her team work closely with elected officials to help advocate for policies and programs that will help their clients and the community as a whole. Importantly, Ann and her team also work to ensure that their clients' voices are heard by community leaders and elected officials directly. My staff and I relied on Ann for advice and guidance on legislation, policy and helping constituents in need. I truly treasure my and my office's relationship with Ann, and appreciate all that she has done. Turning Point's mission is to provide solid support when and where it is needed most, and Ann embodied that mission throughout her tenure. On behalf of the residents of the 9th Congressional District of Illinois, I thank her for thirty years of service to our community and wish her well in the chapter ahead. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF ANN FISHER RANEY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E509] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF ANN FISHER RANEY ______ HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ann Fisher Raney on her retirement from Turning Point Behavioral Health. Ann spent three decades serving Turning Point and led it as Chief Executive Officer for twenty-five years--a quarter of a century. Turning Point, a vital not- for-profit organization in the 9th Congressional District, provides essential mental health support to a vulnerable population of clients, 94 percent of whom are low-income. Under Ann's leadership, Turning Point has grown steadily in size, scope, and reputation, to better serve the growing needs of the community. What began as a community mental health agency evolved into a regional leader, now serving over 1,000 clients annually across outpatient therapy, residential programming, case management, and free 24/7 crisis support. One of Ann's signature achievements was the 2011 launch of the Living Room program, which offered something the field was only beginning to recognize as necessary: a free, welcoming alternative to the emergency room for adults in mental health crisis. Fifteen years later, the program maintains a 98 percent success rate in keeping guests out of the hospital and offers expert and compassionate care, including crisis intervention, support, and mentoring. The broader mental health field has taken notice and the Living Room has become a model program-- Turning Point receives praise whenever it is mentioned. Turning Point received the highest ratings from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and has been recognized with a host of awards recognizing their impact broadly and locally in the communities they serve. These achievements reflect the dedication and skill of everyone at Turning Point, with Ann as their steady, thoughtful and gifted leader. As a result of these and other efforts, Ann was personally honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter. I have had the privilege and pleasure of knowing and working with Ann for the past 3 decades, and what the awards and statistics cannot fully capture is the calm, thoughtful steadiness she brought to this work. She and her team work closely with elected officials to help advocate for policies and programs that will help their clients and the community as a whole. Importantly, Ann and her team also work to ensure that their clients' voices are heard by community leaders and elected officials directly. My staff and I relied on Ann for advice and guidance on legislation, policy and helping constituents in need. I truly treasure my and my office's relationship with Ann, and appreciate all that she has done. Turning Point's mission is to provide solid support when and where it is needed most, and Ann embodied that mission throughout her tenure. On behalf of the residents of the 9th Congressional District of Illinois, I thank her for thirty years of service to our community and wish her well in the chapter ahead. ____________________