By Stiles H.R. No. 987 75R15713 JTR-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The South East Texas Foster Grandparent Program 1-2 (SETFGP) has established itself as one of the state's most 1-3 successful volunteer efforts, and this great asset to the community 1-4 is truly worthy of special praise and recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Designed to bring together senior citizens and 1-6 children with special needs in mutually beneficial relationships, 1-7 SETFGP began in January 1989 and is the first program of its type 1-8 in the nation to focus on at-risk youth, and countless Texans have 1-9 benefited from this innovative approach since its inception; and 1-10 WHEREAS, The program was set in motion by James "Bubba" 1-11 Martin of Jefferson County Juvenile Probation and Joyce Philen of 1-12 the South East Texas Area Agency on Aging, and their drive and 1-13 dedication have been essential to the venture's ongoing success; 1-14 and 1-15 WHEREAS, Ultimately, the many accomplishments of SETFGP rest 1-16 on the commendable commitment of its able volunteers, and in the 1-17 program's first five years alone, foster grandparents donated more 1-18 than 200,000 hours of their time to this worthy endeavor; and 1-19 WHEREAS, By encouraging older Texans to share their 1-20 compassion, wisdom, and experience with those young people most in 1-21 need of these precious gifts, SETFGP has brought about a new and 1-22 necessary means of addressing the needs of at-risk youth, and it is 1-23 indeed fitting at this time to acknowledge this exemplary program; 1-24 now, therefore, be it 2-1 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-2 Legislature hereby recognize the South East Texas Foster 2-3 Grandparent Program and extend to all those involved in the program 2-4 sincere best wishes for continued success in the years to come.