1-1                                       1

 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 858

 1-3           WHEREAS, It is indeed a special privilege for the Texas Senate

 1-4     to recognize Georgia Baca for her magnificent work in caring for

 1-5     children and adults over the past 20 years; and

 1-6           WHEREAS, A native of Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, Georgia Baca

 1-7     was a bank officer for American Bank of Commerce until 1974; she

 1-8     married Gilberto O. Baca in June of 1976 and within three months,

 1-9     the couple had two abandoned children living with them in a

1-10     one-bedroom apartment; and

1-11           WHEREAS, A truly remarkable couple, Mr. and Mrs. Baca founded

1-12     the House of Cornelius in Fabens, Texas, in 1976, and the operation

1-13     has grown tremendously through the years with the assistance of

1-14     dedicated volunteers; and

1-15           WHEREAS, Already working with children in the Fabens area,

1-16     the compassionate couple envisioned building a place for children

1-17     who were in need of a loving home; and

1-18           WHEREAS, Operating on the belief that every child is born

1-19     with the potential to lead a productive, loving life, the House of

1-20     Cornelius attempts to revive that potential in children or adults

1-21     who have suffered from neglect, abuse, or other circumstances that

1-22     interfere with their ability to realize this goal; and

1-23           WHEREAS, By 1978, Georgia and Buddy Baca had pulled a house

 2-1     trailer onto their 25 acres of land that they shared with another

 2-2     couple, and plans to expand the House of Cornelius were laid; today

 2-3     the facility consists of the Buddy Baca Learning Center; Muzzy Hall,

 2-4     the main building; and two dormitories that house over 30 people at

 2-5     different times; and

 2-6           WHEREAS, The entire complex has been built by volunteers and

 2-7     people offering their services and time; everything has been built

 2-8     with available supplies and funds so that nothing is owed on the

 2-9     property; and

2-10           WHEREAS, The success of the House of Cornelius can be

2-11     attributed to volunteers from all parts of the United States and

2-12     from other countries who contribute their time and resources; it

2-13     is solely supported by the private donations of individuals and

2-14     churches; and

2-15           WHEREAS, Over 300 children have benefitted from the nurturing

2-16     care at the House of Cornelius and have gone on to achieve in

2-17     public school and in college; the 4,000 square-foot school provides

2-18     instruction for children from the home as well as other children on

2-19     a year-round basis; and

2-20           WHEREAS, The House of Cornelius has received recognition

2-21     for its valuable service to the citizens of El Paso from various

2-22     organizations; it has been given an Appreciation Certificate from

2-23     the El Paso County Home School Community Partnership, S.W. Educational

2-24     Development Lab, and the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds awards;

2-25     it has also been commended by the United States Army Air Defense

 3-1     Center and Fort Bliss, Chaplains Division; now, therefore, be it

 3-2           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,

 3-3     75th Legislature, hereby express its deepest gratitude to

 3-4     Georgia Baca for her exceptional accomplishments in providing a

 3-5     safe and secure environment for children and adults at the House

 3-6     of Cornelius; and, be it further

 3-7           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for

 3-8     this distinguished lady as an expression of the high regard of

 3-9     the Texas Senate.

3-10                                                               Shapleigh

3-11                                  ______________________________________

3-12                                          President of the Senate

3-13                                       I hereby certify that the above

3-14                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate

3-15                                  on May 24, 1997.

3-16                                  ______________________________________

3-17                                          Secretary of the Senate

3-18                                  ______________________________________

3-19                                           Member, Texas Senate