78R4501 MMS-D

By:  Merritt                                                      H.R. No. 112



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, For 32 years the Sabine Valley Center, a mental 
health and mental retardation agency headquartered in Longview, has 
provided the people of East Texas with vital services and support; 
and
	WHEREAS, The center assists more than 8,000 clients, 
including individuals with mental illness or mental retardation, 
people suffering from substance abuse, and children with 
developmental disabilities; and
	WHEREAS, Among the many forms of support offered by the 
agency are diagnostic, counseling, and psychiatric services, a 
24-hour-a-day crisis line, residential services and youth shelter 
programs, and vocational training and rehabilitation; the center 
strives to meet the needs of its clients through community-based 
programs and assistance as an alternative to treatment in a state 
institution; and
	WHEREAS, Through community education efforts, the center 
also endeavors to reduce the stigma of mental illness and mental 
retardation; one such program is its annual Destination Dignity 
event, an occasion designed to promote public support for, and 
understanding of, people with mental disabilities; and
	WHEREAS, The center has created a foundation to encourage the 
involvement of private citizens and local businesses in supporting 
and strengthening its many crucial services; a volunteer program 
also enables area residents to contribute to the center's essential 
work; and
	WHEREAS, Now in its fourth decade, the Sabine Valley Center 
continues to pursue its mission of "helping people to achieve 
dignity, independence, and their dreams," and it is a pleasure to 
recognize its manifold contributions at this time; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the Sabine Valley Center for its central 
role in promoting the well-being of East Texas citizens and extend 
to all those associated with the center sincere best wishes for 
continued success.