H.R. No. 648
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The year 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the
founding of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Arlington; and
WHEREAS, Since it was established in 1959, this noteworthy
organization has worked to inspire and enable all young people to
realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and
compassionate citizens; by engaging youth in numerous activities
with caring adults, peers, and family members, the Boys and Girls
Clubs of Arlington promotes such worthy goals as positive
self-identity, community and civic involvement, health and
well-being, and strong moral values; and
WHEREAS, The organization served 100 youth in its first year
of operation, and by 1980, the number had grown to 2,000; today,
more than 6,000 individuals, ages 6 to 18, participate in the Boys
and Girls Clubs of Arlington each year, and 86 percent of these
youth come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; the
programs offered at the Boys and Girls Clubs are designed to meet
the diverse needs and interests of all the participants, and are
focused on the areas of character and leadership, health and life
skills, education and careers, the arts and sports, and fitness and
recreation; and
WHEREAS, With the average member spending 12 hours per week
at its facilities, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Arlington has
expanded its range of activities to serve the growing population;
in addition to a homework assistance program, the organization
features a Kids Cafe that serves nutritious meals, as well as the
Major League Baseball initiative, Reviving Baseball in Inner
Cities, and it provides transportation to its clubs from local
Title I schools; the group has also partnered with the Arlington
Police Department to establish camps for at-risk teenagers, and it
works with Tarrant County Juvenile Service and Arlington P.D. to
target first-time youth offenders and offer them alternative
activities at the clubs; and
WHEREAS, Committed to youth development, the Boys and Girls
Clubs of Arlington is building a solid foundation for the future
achievement of many young Texans, and its efforts have benefited
the local community as a whole; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Boys and
Girls Clubs of Arlington and extend to all those affiliated with the
organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Arlington as an expression
of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Pierson
Patrick
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 648 was adopted by the House on March
5, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House