By Dunnam                                              H.R. No. 349
         76R6250 MDM-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, April 1, 1999, marks the 80th anniversary of the
 1-2     founding of the State Home for Dependent and Neglected Children,
 1-3     and it is appropriate that the members of this chamber commemorate
 1-4     this worthy institution and recognize its former students; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, On March 8, 1919, the Texas House of Representatives
 1-6     passed House Bill 112, establishing the home and school on part of
 1-7     former Camp MacArthur, a World War I Army training camp near Waco;
 1-8     the senate gave its approval on March 18, 1919, and planning was
 1-9     soon under way for "an institution of care, education, and training
1-10     for the children who have become neglected from the want of care or
1-11     attention of their parents or guardian"; and
1-12           WHEREAS, The first children were admitted to the home on
1-13     January 1, 1923; they were welcomed to a nurturing environment and
1-14     given, in addition to assistance to meet physical and educational
1-15     needs, love and guidance to better prepare them for successful,
1-16     independent lives; and
1-17           WHEREAS, During nearly six decades of operation, thousands of
1-18     orphaned and neglected children lived at the home, which was closed
1-19     on September 1, 1979, by the 66th Legislature due to the
1-20     availability of alternative child-care programs; and
1-21           WHEREAS, The home's Ex Students Association now holds yearly
1-22     informal reunions at which former residents meet to discuss
1-23     memories and renew friendships that started in childhood; the group
1-24     meets at the site of the home, where the Waco Center for Youth is
 2-1     currently located; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, The State Home for Dependent and Neglected Children
 2-3     provided a haven of loving care for thousands of orphaned and
 2-4     neglected Texas children through much of the 20th century, and the
 2-5     80th anniversary of its founding is truly deserving of special
 2-6     recognition; now, therefore, be it
 2-7           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
 2-8     Legislature hereby commemorate the State Home for Dependent and
 2-9     Neglected Children and extend warmest best wishes to all its former
2-10     residents on this memorable occasion.