HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONTRA COSTA SENIOR LEGAL SERVICES

On 2026-09-24, Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONTRA COSTA SENIOR LEGAL SERVICES" in the House.

HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONTRA COSTA SENIOR LEGAL SERVICES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E976] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONTRA COSTA SENIOR LEGAL SERVICES ______ HON. MARK DeSAULNIER of california in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (CCSLS) as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Since 1976, CCSLS has worked tirelessly to improve quality of life and provide accessible legal assistance, advocacy, and education for Contra Costa's seniors. CCSLS has demonstrated their steadfast commitment to serving vulnerable populations in our community. Around 1,000 clients per year receive guidance with issues that adversely affect the lives of seniors. By providing legal advice, advocacy, educational resources, and representation with tenants' rights, consumer protection, simple wills, and public benefits issues, CCSLS has successfully protected their clients from physical, financial, and emotional abuse. From helping clients stay in their homes to navigating Social Security benefits, CCSLS has shown their dedication to providing accessible support to our community's seniors. They also work to educate our community members through local outreach events, providing seniors with the tools necessary to recognize identity theft scams or signs of elder abuse--ensuring assets are safeguarded and legal remedies are sought. County-wide, CCSLS' free legal clinics are staffed by pro-bono attorneys who provide information and advice on general legal issues. As a result, they have helped their clients avoid eviction, fight against unsafe housing, legally grant Power of Attorney, appeal Social Security denials, and file restraining orders against those who commit elder abuse. Last year alone, CCSLS helped recover over $190,000 for Contra Costa's seniors, provided 530 hours of pro-bono service, and hosted 106 free legal clinics. CCSLS' work has touched the lives of thousands of Contra Costa residents, and they have had a profound impact in our community. Please join me in honoring Contra Costa Senior Legal Services for their critical work and in celebrating their 50th anniversary. ____________________