84R26264 BPG-D
By: Simmons H.R. No. 2359
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Chin Community Ministry is making a positive
difference in the lives of Lewisville families from western
Myanmar; and
WHEREAS, In their homeland, members of the Chin ethnic group
were subject to persecution because of their Christianity and
support for pro-democracy political candidates; many fled
oppression by the ruling military junta, walking hundreds of miles
to refugee camps in neighboring Thailand; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 3,500 Chin refugees have settled in
Lewisville over the past 15 years, and the city now has the
second-largest Chin community in the United States; most of the
refugees were impoverished and received little formal education in
their native land, but the Chin Community Ministry assists both
children and adults in gaining the knowledge, skills, and resources
required to make successful transitions; each month, the
organization works with about 500 families; and
WHEREAS, Guided by executive director Becky Nelson, the Chin
Community Ministry unites the efforts of eight local churches and
numerous people of faith; it provides newly arrived children with
backpacks, clothing, and other supplies so that they can enroll in
school immediately, and it coordinates translator services,
furniture donations, rent subsidies, referrals for financial aid,
medical outreach, transportation, and other assistance needed for
the initial settlement of families; and
WHEREAS, Additional services offered include family
mentoring, ESL and citizenship classes, a summer reading program, a
home ownership program, and payment of fees for school activities
such as band and athletics; moreover, volunteers engage with Chin
residents to help them assimilate and connect with the wider
community; and
WHEREAS, By identifying and prioritizing the needs of
refugees from Myanmar, the Chin Community Ministry is offering
vital support and encouragement to new residents striving to
achieve the American dream of independence and prosperity; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the Chin Community Ministry for its
contributions and extend to all those associated 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 organization as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.