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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Brookhaven Youth Ranch is celebrating the 35th |
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anniversary of its founding in 2021; and |
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WHEREAS, Brookhaven was established in 1986 by Robert G. |
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Drake, who brought with him a wealth of experience from his work |
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with the Texas Youth Commission and various youth centers in |
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Oklahoma; with the support of his wife, Dorothy, he purchased 74 |
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acres of land near Gholson in order to create a temporary home for |
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youth in need; and |
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WHEREAS, The facility initially served a few boys referred by |
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the Texas Youth Commission, but as its reputation grew, Child |
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Protective Services and probation departments from across the state |
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began sending young people there; today, Brookhaven can house up to |
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61 teenagers, with plans to continue expanding its services; and |
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WHEREAS, Led by Mr. Drake until his passing in 1992, |
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Brookhaven has since benefited from the guidance of former |
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executive directors Wayne Money, Bill Gholson, and Dennis Cooke, |
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and in April 2021, the board of directors named Linda |
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Harrison-Goates as the new executive director; and |
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WHEREAS, Throughout its rich history, Brookhaven Youth Ranch |
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has remained faithful to its mission of providing a safe and |
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nurturing environment for young Texans, and it is indeed fitting to |
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honor the organization on the occasion of this significant |
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milestone; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the 35th anniversary of Brookhaven |
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Youth Ranch and extend to all those associated with the |
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organization sincere best wishes for continued success with their |
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important work; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Brookhaven Youth Ranch as an expression of high regard |
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by the Texas House of Representatives. |