88R15014 BK-D
 
  By: Manuel H.R. No. 349
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, For nearly two decades, The Arc of Greater Beaumont
  has served as an important resource and advocate for area residents
  with disabilities; and
         WHEREAS, In 2005, The Arc of Greater Beaumont was established
  as a local chapter of The Arc of Texas and The Arc of the United
  States, which were formed in the early 1950s to promote the
  inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental
  disabilities; the founding of the Beaumont chapter was led by five
  concerned parents who wanted to provide opportunities for their
  young adult children to socialize after they graduated from public
  school; over the span of a decade, the organization grew to serve
  more than 400 individuals, offering a variety of programs designed
  to help them live fuller and more independent lives; and
         WHEREAS, Through The Arc's Adult Socialization and Leisure
  Activities program, participants take part in field trips, dances,
  community service projects, and other activities in a safe,
  supervised environment, which can help them become more adept at
  interacting with others; The Arc of Greater Beaumont also offers a
  Children & Family Services program that provides specialized
  support for the families and caregivers of children with
  developmental disabilities; moreover, the chapter's Southeast
  Texas Self-Advocates initiative is managed by adults with
  disabilities and designed to help its members develop skills in the
  areas of self-advocacy, leadership, and education; and
         WHEREAS, The Arc of Greater Beaumont has excelled in its
  mission of building a more inclusive and equitable community for
  all, and the contributions of the organization and its hardworking
  volunteers have touched the lives of numerous area residents; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby honor The Arc of Greater Beaumont for its
  service to individuals with intellectual and developmental
  disabilities and their families and extend to the organization's
  leadership, staff, and volunteers sincere best wishes for the
  future; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for The Arc of Greater Beaumont as an expression of high
  regard by the Texas House of Representatives.