78R9206 KMP-D

By:  Pitts                                                      H.C.R. No. 150



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, In 1903, the Ladies Missionary Society of the First 
Presbyterian Church in Dallas established an organization to care 
for our state's most vulnerable citizens, its children; and
	WHEREAS, Since that time, the association now known as 
Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (PCHAS) has offered 
assistance and hope to thousands of Texas children and their 
families, creating group homes, providing foster homes, and 
developing many services and programs to meet the needs of Texans in 
crisis; and
	WHEREAS, Recognizing that the challenges facing children 
have changed dramatically in the past 100 years, PCHAS has evolved 
with the times and now provides  therapeutic programs, after-school 
care, and educational support to children in need; this esteemed 
organization operates 19 group homes on campuses in Itasca, San 
Antonio, Duncanville, Austin, and Waxahachie, and its innovative 
Child and Family Programs are available in Corsicana, Houston, 
Austin, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, and Kilgore; and
	WHEREAS, The year 2003 marks the centennial of PCHAS, and 
this milestone will be celebrated with such events as an open house 
at each PCHAS facility, a special birthday party, and a symposium on 
children; the group will also publish a commemorative book, and a 
worship service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in 
Dallas during the weekend of October 17-19, 2003; and
	WHEREAS, For the past century, PCHAS has served as a vital 
resource to many; whether helping young people to overcome abuse, 
neglect, or abandonment, or lending a helping hand to families 
facing economic hardship, serious parental illness, or other 
parenting crises, the organization has made this state all the 
better through its fine work; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby designate October 24, 2003, as Presbyterian Children's Homes 
and Services Day in Texas and commend this outstanding organization 
for its ongoing efforts to benefit this state's citizens; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services as an 
expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and 
Senate.