SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 516
WHEREAS, The year 2009 marks the 70th anniversary of Cal
Farley's Boys Ranch and the 60th anniversary of Cal Farley's
Girlstown, U.S.A., and staff and supporters of these worthy
organizations are visiting the State Capitol on this day to
commemorate these notable milestones; and
WHEREAS, A former semipro baseball player and a
businessman, Cal Farley was inspired to help youth after noticing
them congregated at the ballpark when they should have been in
school; he discovered that most of the youth came from broken
homes, and he and other men formed the Maverick Club and Kids,
Incorporated, to provide them with a sports program, as well as
food, clothing, and medical attention; and
WHEREAS, Concerned that many youth were still not getting
the help they needed, Mr. Farley dreamed of creating a place
where troubled boys could be given a second chance for a
successful future; in 1938, a local rancher donated 120 acres
northwest of Amarillo to the cause, and Mr. Farley began housing
boys there the following year; the original charter for Boys
Ranch was filed by the Texas secretary of state on March 14, 1939;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Farley promoted the ranch on his radio
program, the "Cal Farley Show," and listeners throughout the
state became supporters of Boys Ranch, which by 1947 had grown to
include some 100 boys; before the end of the decade, abused and
neglected girls would also have a place to find success with the
founding of Girlstown, U.S.A., in 1949 by Amelia Anthony; located
on land near the community of Whiteface, Girlstown, U.S.A.,
became an affiliate of Cal Farley's Boys Ranch in 1987; and
WHEREAS, Today, Cal Farley's is one of America's largest
privately funded child and family service providers, offering
residential, educational, and community-based services at no
cost to the families of children in its care; guided by Christian
values, its programs are designed to strengthen families and
support the physical, emotional, and spiritual development of
children; and
WHEREAS, Currently serving approximately 300 children on
two campuses, both Boys Ranch and Girlstown, U.S.A., feature
cottages where 10 to 12 children live with house parent couples
providing supervision, mentoring, and parenting; residents
receive academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities
similar to those offered at other Texas public schools, and
qualified alumni earn financial scholarships to college; and
WHEREAS, In addition to its campuses, Cal Farley's operates
family resource centers in cities throughout Texas, including
Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, and Houston, with another opening
in San Antonio in 2009; these centers provide such direct
services as case management, life-skills coaching, family and
parenting programs, and referrals to other agencies; and
WHEREAS, A volunteer board of directors and dedicated
employees, including president and Chief Executive Officer Dan
Adams, maintain the highest standards of excellence in
fulfilling the organization's mission; in addition, the caring
gifts of thousands of faithful supporters, or "champions for
children," ensure Cal Farley's continued existence; and
WHEREAS, More than 8,000 boys and girls from every state in
the nation and a variety of cultural backgrounds have found hope
and opportunity at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and Cal Farley's
Girlstown, U.S.A., and it is indeed fitting to honor the proud
legacy of Cal Farley's on this significant occasion; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby recognize March 26, 2009, as Cal Farley's Day
at the State Capitol and commemorate the 70th anniversary of Cal
Farley's Boys Ranch and the 60th anniversary of Cal Farley's
Girlstown, U.S.A.; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for Cal Farley's as an expression of high regard from
the Texas Senate.
Seliger
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 25, 2009.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate