SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 516

WHEREAS, The year 2009 marks the 70th anniversary of Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and the 60th anniversary of Cal Farley's Girlstown, U.S.A., and staff and supporters of these worthy organizations are visiting the State Capitol on this day to commemorate these notable milestones; and

WHEREAS, A former semipro baseball player and a businessman, Cal Farley was inspired to help youth after noticing them congregated at the ballpark when they should have been in school; he discovered that most of the youth came from broken homes, and he and other men formed the Maverick Club and Kids, Incorporated, to provide them with a sports program, as well as food, clothing, and medical attention; and

WHEREAS, Concerned that many youth were still not getting the help they needed, Mr. Farley dreamed of creating a place where troubled boys could be given a second chance for a successful future; in 1938, a local rancher donated 120 acres northwest of Amarillo to the cause, and Mr. Farley began housing boys there the following year; the original charter for Boys Ranch was filed by the Texas secretary of state on March 14, 1939; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Farley promoted the ranch on his radio program, the "Cal Farley Show," and listeners throughout the state became supporters of Boys Ranch, which by 1947 had grown to include some 100 boys; before the end of the decade, abused and neglected girls would also have a place to find success with the founding of Girlstown, U.S.A., in 1949 by Amelia Anthony; located on land near the community of Whiteface, Girlstown, U.S.A., became an affiliate of Cal Farley's Boys Ranch in 1987; and

WHEREAS, Today, Cal Farley's is one of America's largest privately funded child and family service providers, offering residential, educational, and community-based services at no cost to the families of children in its care; guided by Christian values, its programs are designed to strengthen families and support the physical, emotional, and spiritual development of children; and

WHEREAS, Currently serving approximately 300 children on two campuses, both Boys Ranch and Girlstown, U.S.A., feature cottages where 10 to 12 children live with house parent couples providing supervision, mentoring, and parenting; residents receive academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities similar to those offered at other Texas public schools, and qualified alumni earn financial scholarships to college; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its campuses, Cal Farley's operates family resource centers in cities throughout Texas, including Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, and Houston, with another opening in San Antonio in 2009; these centers provide such direct services as case management, life-skills coaching, family and parenting programs, and referrals to other agencies; and

WHEREAS, A volunteer board of directors and dedicated employees, including president and Chief Executive Officer Dan Adams, maintain the highest standards of excellence in fulfilling the organization's mission; in addition, the caring gifts of thousands of faithful supporters, or "champions for children," ensure Cal Farley's continued existence; and

WHEREAS, More than 8,000 boys and girls from every state in the nation and a variety of cultural backgrounds have found hope and opportunity at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and Cal Farley's Girlstown, U.S.A., and it is indeed fitting to honor the proud legacy of Cal Farley's on this significant occasion; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby recognize March 26, 2009, as Cal Farley's Day at the State Capitol and commemorate the 70th anniversary of Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and the 60th anniversary of Cal Farley's Girlstown, U.S.A.; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Cal Farley's as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Seliger

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate