By Gutierrez                                           H.R. No. 749
       74R10695 PFG-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The Colonia Children's Self-Development Project of
    1-2  the Border Association for Refugees from Central America (BARCA)
    1-3  was recently selected as one of the Best of Texas programs for 1995
    1-4  by the Corporate Fund for Children, and this special recognition is
    1-5  indeed well deserved; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Each year the Corporate Fund for Children searches
    1-7  communities throughout the state for innovative programs that are
    1-8  improving the lives of children and their families; to qualify for
    1-9  receipt of this prestigious honor, programs must offer unique
   1-10  solutions to persistent social problems, assist traditionally
   1-11  underserved populations, respect cultural diversity, and be model
   1-12  programs that other communities can emulate; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, BARCA strives to enhance the quality of life in 17
   1-14  colonias in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and to foster a greater
   1-15  sense of community among local residents by providing them with the
   1-16  tools they need to achieve higher educational and financial levels
   1-17  and to strengthen overall family relationships; and
   1-18        WHEREAS, To this end, area volunteers visit women in their
   1-19  homes to deliver important information on a wide variety of issues
   1-20  affecting women and their families, ranging from general health
   1-21  topics, such as breast cancer, to the discussion of complex legal
   1-22  matters, such as housing contracts and deeds; and
   1-23        WHEREAS, The group provides educational programs for children
   1-24  and adolescents between the ages of four and 18 and conducts an
    2-1  exciting Spring Break event each year that introduces children to
    2-2  such important skills as cooking and nutrition, which in turn helps
    2-3  to enhance their overall well-being and self-esteem; the programs
    2-4  are intentionally scheduled during breaks from the regular public
    2-5  school schedule to provide area children with constructive
    2-6  recreational outlets for their spare time; and
    2-7        WHEREAS, One of BARCA's most successful programs to date has
    2-8  been the Borderview Children's Art Project, a cooperative effort
    2-9  with the Cultural Center for Hispanic Arts, which introduced nearly
   2-10  50 children from the Balboa/Borderview colonia to Norma Adame, a
   2-11  Mexican artist who discussed art as a career and reviewed the
   2-12  children's artwork; and
   2-13        WHEREAS, To achieve its mission, BARCA enlists volunteers
   2-14  from the community and receives financial support from a number of
   2-15  foundations, as well as in-kind donations from several benefactors
   2-16  in McAllen and Mission, including Carl's Grocery Company, the Rio
   2-17  Grande Valley Food Bank, McDonald's, Dick Office Supply, and a
   2-18  number of private individuals; and
   2-19        WHEREAS, In receiving this honor, BARCA joins two other
   2-20  groups in the Valley who have been designated Best of Texas
   2-21  programs this year, Planned Parenthood of Hidalgo County and
   2-22  Project ARISE, a noteworthy accomplishment that can be directly
   2-23  attributed to area citizens' sincere concern for the welfare of
   2-24  others; now, therefore, be it
   2-25        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-26  Legislature hereby congratulate the dedicated members and
   2-27  volunteers of the Border Association for Refugees from Central
    3-1  America (BARCA) on the group's receipt of a Best of Texas
    3-2  designation for its outstanding efforts in behalf of residents of
    3-3  colonias; and, be it further
    3-4        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
    3-5  prepared for BARCA as an expression of highest regard by the Texas
    3-6  House of Representatives.