H.R. No. 1246 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Foster 1-2 Grandparent Program, a vital enterprise that has enabled many 1-3 low-income men and women to share the experience and education they 1-4 have gained through the years with others in need of assistance; 1-5 and 1-6 WHEREAS, Under the auspices of the Texas Department on Aging, 1-7 participants in the Foster Grandparent Program provide 1-8 companionship and guidance to physically, emotionally, and mentally 1-9 handicapped children as well as to children who have been abused or 1-10 neglected or are involved in the state's juvenile justice system; 1-11 and 1-12 WHEREAS, The Foster Grandparent Program provides its 1-13 dedicated volunteers with a small stipend, daily meals, 1-14 transportation, and an annual physical, the latter of which many of 1-15 these adults over age 60 might otherwise go without; equally 1-16 important to those who are involved in the program, however, is the 1-17 opportunity to share their time with others in a manner that makes 1-18 them feel needed and useful as productive, caring members of 1-19 society; and 1-20 WHEREAS, In 1994 alone, foster grandparents in Texas 1-21 contributed more than $10 million and nearly 950,000 volunteer 1-22 hours to the state's economy through their efforts in behalf of 1-23 countless elementary schools, nursery schools, child development 1-24 centers, juvenile courts, and nonprofit organizations across the 2-1 state; and 2-2 WHEREAS, The commitment and compassion of the 950 individuals 2-3 who serve as foster grandparents in Texas have set a shining 2-4 example for all citizens of the Lone Star State and truly merit 2-5 special recognition and tribute; now, therefore, be it 2-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-7 Legislature hereby commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Foster 2-8 Grandparent Program and honor the organization's many caring 2-9 participants; and, be it further 2-10 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-11 prepared for the Foster Grandparent Program as an expression of 2-12 highest regard by the Texas House of Representatives.