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A RESOLUTION honoring the advocacy of Marsha Van Hook. 1
WHEREAS, Marsha Van Hook was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, in August 2
1958, to Mary Jane and George Edward Van Hook, and spent her early years at home 3
with her older brother, Pete, and younger brother, Steve; and 4
WHEREAS, Marsha Van Hook enjoyed her family, friends, school, and church 5
activities while growing up in the Somerset area; and 6
WHEREAS, Marsha Van Hook was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in her 7
childhood. Despite the challenges that came with this diagnosis, Marsha excelled as a 8
student and graduated from Eubank High School in Eubank, Kentucky; and 9
WHEREAS, Marsha Van Hook continued her education at Eastern Kentucky 10
University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling in 1984; 11
and 12
WHEREAS, Marsha Van Hook was motivated to use her education and experience 13
to help others by working with the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation before 14
leaving to work at Goodwill Industries in Louisville; and 15
WHEREAS, Marsha Van Hook's outgoing personality and desire to be helpful led 16
to her being known by many programs and people serving Kentuckians with disabilities 17
who invited Marsha to join them in their advocacy work; and 18
WHEREAS, Marsha Van Hook has volunteered or worked at many organizations, 19
including the Pulaski County Schools, Eubank Baptist Church, Arc of Kentucky, 20
Kentucky Disabilities Coalition, and United 874K Disabilities Coalition; and 21
WHEREAS, Marsha Van Hook's passion for speaking up and speaking out for 22
herself and her fellow Kentuckians with disabilities led to her serving on the Arc of 23
Kentucky Board of Directors as advocacy chair at the Lake Cumberland Arc; as chair of 24
partners in policymaking; and on the Council of the Hart supported living program; and 25
WHEREAS, after seeing her brother, Steve, struggle with mental illness and 26
addiction, Marsha Van Hook educated herself about these issues and became an outspoke 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2450
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advocate for Steve, who sadly died far too soon in February 2021; and 1
WHEREAS, Marsha Van Hook is a tireless advocate in Frankfort, engaging in 2
letter writing, calls, and visits with policymakers, and is known and respected by leaders 3
of Kentucky state government; and 4
WHEREAS, despite reaching retirement age, Marsha Van Hook has shown no 5
signs of slowing down, maintaining the same level of advocacy and desire to speak up to 6
improve the lives of others. Her example and mentorship will inspire Kentuckians 7
beyond her time; 8
NOW, THEREFORE, 9
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 10
Kentucky: 11
Section 1. The members of the Senate do hereby honor the accomplishments of 12
Marsha Van Hook and congratulate her for her years of advocacy on behalf of 13
Kentuckians with disabilities. 14
Section 2. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 15
Resolution to Senator Rick Girdler for delivery. 16