By Naishtat                                           H.R. No. 1246
       74R14437 PAN-D
                                  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.