These are the faces of Laguna Honda.

The challenges and the triumphs in the lives of Chec Yi-en, Michael, Marie, Felipe, Astrid and Perry tell the Laguna Honda story far better than the graphs and charts in any annual report.

The Laguna Honda story is about people. It is about the people in a community of care who dedicate their lives every day to the service of others, and about the hundreds of people every year whose lives are immeasurably improved by that work.

Too often over the last decade Laguna Honda’s story has been told by its detractors. But today, as we prepare for an era of excellence in long term care and rehabilitation, we take back our own narrative. Our story is one that prizes resident success, that fosters innovative excellence, that promotes partnerships, and that provides a healing environment for a diverse community.

We see ourselves as a fully integrated partner within the Department of Public Health, as a community resource, and as a learning organization eager for the challenge of bringing innovative programming into a unique setting.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the leadership of Larry Funk and the late John Kanaley, both of whom have done so much to make the new Laguna Honda a reality. And also, of course, this commission, its predecessors, and to Dr. Katz for your vision and commitment.

I want to extend to each of you an early invitation to our ribbon cutting next Spring. We are all looking forward to seeing you there. Thank you.