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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Chin Community Ministry is making a positive |
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difference in the lives of Lewisville families from western |
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Myanmar; and |
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WHEREAS, In their homeland, members of the Chin ethnic group |
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were subject to persecution because of their Christianity and |
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support for pro-democracy political candidates; many fled |
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oppression by the ruling military junta, walking hundreds of miles |
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to refugee camps in neighboring Thailand; and |
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WHEREAS, Approximately 3,500 Chin refugees have settled in |
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Lewisville over the past 15 years, and the city now has the |
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second-largest Chin community in the United States; most of the |
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refugees were impoverished and received little formal education in |
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their native land, but the Chin Community Ministry assists both |
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children and adults in gaining the knowledge, skills, and resources |
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required to make successful transitions; each month, the |
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organization works with about 500 families; and |
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WHEREAS, Guided by executive director Becky Nelson, the Chin |
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Community Ministry unites the efforts of eight local churches and |
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numerous people of faith; it provides newly arrived children with |
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backpacks, clothing, and other supplies so that they can enroll in |
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school immediately, and it coordinates translator services, |
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furniture donations, rent subsidies, referrals for financial aid, |
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medical outreach, transportation, and other assistance needed for |
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the initial settlement of families; and |
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WHEREAS, Additional services offered include family |
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mentoring, ESL and citizenship classes, a summer reading program, a |
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home ownership program, and payment of fees for school activities |
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such as band and athletics; moreover, volunteers engage with Chin |
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residents to help them assimilate and connect with the wider |
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community; and |
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WHEREAS, By identifying and prioritizing the needs of |
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refugees from Myanmar, the Chin Community Ministry is offering |
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vital support and encouragement to new residents striving to |
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achieve the American dream of independence and prosperity; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize the Chin Community Ministry for its |
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contributions and extend to all those associated with the |
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organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it |
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further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |