ENROLLED
Page 1 of 3
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 183
BY REPRESENTATIVES ST. GERMAIN, BARROW, CHAMPAGNE, HILL, HODGES,
KATRINA JACKSON, NANCY LANDRY, MORENO, NORTON, SMITH,
STOKES, THIERRY, WHITNEY, AND WOODRUFF AND SENATORS
BROOME, BUFFINGTON, DORSEY-COLOMB, AND PETERSON
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To commend Evelyn Elain Ellerbe of Jackson, Louisiana, upon her receipt of a 2014
Women of Excellence Award from the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus
Foundation for her achievements in the field of Louisiana Hero of Excellence.
WHEREAS, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe has over thirty years of business administration
experience with an emphasis for the past twenty-five years in the field of human social
services for incarcerated populations and under-resourced families impacted by the criminal
justice system; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe is chief executive officer of Refined by Fire
Ministries (RBF), Inc., a nonprofit organization that she and her family founded in 1995; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe received her National Consultant/Trainer
designation from Dr. Stephen Bavolek, creator of the evidence-based Nurturing Parenting
Program, and was also awarded the Innovator Instructor for Financial Management by VISA
International; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe was certified in the National Fatherhood
Initiative's 24/7 Dad and Inside/Out Dad curriculum; and
WHEREAS, additionally in 2010, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe received her lifetime
certification as a trainer and facilitator of Bridges Out of Poverty and the unique Solutions
to Poverty curriculum, Getting Ahead in A Just Getting By World; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe led Refined By Fire Ministries through
the process of being recognized as an Area Consultant agency for Bridges Out of Poverty,
a designation that includes the nine-parish area surrounding Metro Baton Rouge; and ENROLLEDHCR NO. 183
Page 2 of 3
WHEREAS, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe has also fostered several cutting edge programs
including: a Fatherhood Initiative in correctional facilities across Louisiana; an incarcerated
parent video project, Read to Me Daddy/Momm y; and a seven-year partnership with the
national retailer, Men's Wearhouse, for a statewide suit donation program for offenders
returning home; and
WHEREAS, in 2013, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe suffered the death of her husband,
Michael, who was director of Reentry at Dixon Correctional Institute, following his
courageous battle with cancer, and to whom she was married for over thirty-five years; and
WHEREAS, in July of 2013, both Michael and Elain were inducted into the
Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Recognition for their
outstanding work in the field of reentry in this state; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe remains committed to continuing the work with
incarcerated and under-resourced populations that she and Michael were called to do so
many years ago; and
WHEREAS, just recently, in March of 2014, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe was selected by
the Louisiana State University Women's Center as one of its 2014 Esprit de Femme
recipients which honors outstanding women leaders across our state; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation created the
Women of Excellence Awards to recognize and honor extraordinary women of excellence
across the state for their outstanding achievements and contributions; and
WHEREAS, recipients of the Women of Excellence Awards exhibit characteristics
of integrity and professionalism, personify excellence in their area of specialty, and are
committed to community service to better society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, for 2014, there are six fields or categories for the Women of Excellence
Awards: Business, College Woman of Excellence, Education and Research, High School
Woman of Excellence, Louisiana Hero of Excellence, and Military; and
WHEREAS, the recipients of the 2014 Women of Excellence Awards are being
recognized at the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation's Women of
Excellence Awards and Scholarships Ceremony and Reception on Tuesday, May 27, 2014,
at the historic Hilton Capitol House Hotel in Baton Rouge; and ENROLLEDHCR NO. 183
Page 3 of 3
WHEREAS, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe of Jackson, Louisiana, has been named a recipient
of a 2014 Women of Excellence Award in the field of Louisiana Hero of Excellence, a field
which recognizes an ordinary everyday person who is making extraordinarily positive
differences in changing the lives of people in Louisiana and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Elain Ellerbe merits a sincere and heartfelt measure of
commendation for her dedication to excellence and her outstanding accomplishments, and
it is entirely appropriate for the Legislature of Louisiana to commend Evelyn Elain Ellerbe
upon her receipt of a 2014 Women of Excellence Award from the Louisiana Legislative
Women's Caucus Foundation which recognizes her vital contributions to the citizens of
Louisiana.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend Evelyn Elain Ellerbe of Jackson, Louisiana, upon her receipt of a 2014 Women
of Excellence Award from the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation for her
achievements in the field of Louisiana Hero of Excellence; does hereby recognize and record
for posterity her singular contributions to the citizens of Louisiana; and does hereby extend
enduring appreciation for the tremendous honor and pride that she brings to the state of
Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to Evelyn Elain Ellerbe.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE