88R20637 BHH-D
 
  By: Garcia H.R. No. 909
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The nonprofit organization Texas Grandparents
  Raising Grandchildren has greatly benefited countless children and
  families in the Lone Star State; and
         WHEREAS, Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren works to
  educate and empower the more than 266,000 grandparents in Texas who
  are responsible for caring for their grandchildren; because
  grandparents often face difficulty in receiving benefits as foster
  parents, the organization provides resources, information, and
  other support, as well as opportunities for networking and building
  community; and
         WHEREAS, In 2022, TXGRG provided more than 5,000 hours of
  case management and helped families to meet such needs as legal
  assistance, clothing, and utilities; staffed primarily by
  grandparents with lived experience, the organization has expanded
  its offerings to include support groups in cities across the state;
  and
         WHEREAS, TXGRG benefits from the able guidance of its founder
  and executive director, Mercedes Bristol, who established the
  organization after adopting her five grandchildren in 2011; her
  efforts have included advocating for legislation to extend benefits
  to any family caregiver over 25 who takes custody of children; and
         WHEREAS, Since its inception, Texas Grandparents Raising
  Grandchildren has worked to ensure that families have the resources
  they need to thrive, and the organization is indeed deserving of
  special recognition; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby honor the many contributions of Texas
  Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and extend to all those
  associated with the organization sincere best wishes for the
  future; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas
  House of Representatives.