SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 18

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Rebecca Smith on her outstanding counseling and guidance services to families and children in Montgomery and Harris Counties; and

WHEREAS, Rebecca Smith is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in youth counseling, family mediations, high-conflict divorce, custody modification, and family reunification; she holds a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University and a master's degree in counseling from Sam Houston State University; Rebecca has counseled more than 7,000 individuals and families since she started working with children in 1995; and

WHEREAS, Rebecca began her work in the field of mental health in 2003; in 2006, she founded Love Heals Youth, a nonprofit organization that provides free mental health services in addition to clothing, hygiene items, and tutoring services to foster youth; under Rebecca's leadership, Love Heals Youth has helped provide care for countless young people, and in 2022, the foundation registered more than 1,500 hours of counseling services for children in four foster group homes and in five homeless shelters and nonprofit organizations; and

WHEREAS, Committed to restoring separated families, Rebecca has organized workshops, training programs, and reunification retreats for families going through high-conflict divorces and custody proceedings; the founder of Counseling CenterofMontgomeryCountyandAlliedCoparentingandFamily Academy, Rebecca works closely with Harris County family law courts and assists the Counseling Center of Montgomery County courts' DWI and Drug Court Treatment programs; and

WHEREAS, Extolled for her spirit of generosity, Rebecca has served in leadership positions on several boards that promote family and child welfare and mental health, and she developed a comprehensive internship program for aspiring counselors to complete their degree requirements for licensure; an inspiration to her clients, friends, and colleagues, Rebecca is truly deserving of special recognition for her dedication to youth and to family wellness and for her invaluable service to the residents of Montgomery and Harris Counties; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commend Rebecca Smith on her many contributions to foster youth and families in Montgomery and Harris Counties and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Creighton

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 11, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate