SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 366
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Sister Norma Pimentel and the staff of Catholic
Charities of the Rio Grande Valley for their leadership and aid
during the 2014 humanitarian crisis along the border between
Texas and Mexico; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 2014, the Rio Grande Valley
experienced unexpected and overwhelming waves of immigrants
arriving in this country to find safe haven and to create better
lives for their families; among the immigrants were thousands of
unaccompanied children, many of whom had traveled for weeks over
long distances while facing many hardships along the way; and
WHEREAS, Sister Pimentel, executive director of Catholic
Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, and the organization's staff
were able to shepherd the resources of the community and welcome
these new arrivals by providing them with such basic necessities
as warm meals, showers, fresh clothing, toiletries, and
blankets; and
WHEREAS, To accomplish its mission, the organization drew
on the generosity of such local organizations and institutions as
Sacred Heart Church in McAllen, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande
Valley, the City of McAllen, and the Salvation Army of the Rio
Grande Valley; and
WHEREAS, Sister Pimentel worked diligently to ensure that
the immigrants were treated with the dignity and respect that
every person deserves; she was instrumental in efforts to keep
families together and to secure adequate facilities for the
unaccompanied children; and
WHEREAS, Under Sister Pimentel's exceptional leadership,
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley has led the way in
demonstrating kindness and compassion; it is truly fitting that
Sister Pimentel and this outstanding organization receive
legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby commend Sister Norma Pimentel and the staff
of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley on the remarkable
efforts they put forth in facing an emergency situation and
extend best wishes to them for continued success with their
humanitarian work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of Sister Norma Pimentel and Catholic Charities of the Rio
Grande Valley.
Lucio
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 24, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate