H.R. No. 1764
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Girls Empowerment Network has made a lasting and
positive difference in the lives of countless Texas youth; and
WHEREAS, Originally called the Ophelia Project, Girls
Empowerment Network was created in 1996 by a group of concerned
mothers; inspired by the book Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves
of Adolescent Girls, the women focused on ways to address the issues
of increasing teenage pregnancy rates and the growing number of
girls experiencing disordered eating, low academic achievement,
mental health concerns, and substance misuse; today, the network
operates offices in Houston and Austin and continues to equip youth
with the tools they need to develop confidence, resiliency, and
healthy self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, Serving girls in the 3rd through 12th grades, Girls
Empowerment Network employs a self-efficacy curriculum that
stresses the "Six Cs"--collaboration, communication, confidence,
coping skills, creativity, and critical thinking--and its mission
is furthered through summer camps and conferences; in addition, the
network places a strong emphasis on education, partnering with more
than 60 Texas schools to improve outcomes, sponsoring professional
development for teachers, and conducting parental outreach
initiatives; and
WHEREAS, The organization's Spark Change Project is one of
its newest programs; launched in 2020 in collaboration with the
Excellence & Advancement Foundation, the project serves girls of
color, assisting them in becoming advocates for positive social
change; as part of that process, youth address local policymakers
about such issues as mental health and the need for safe and
supportive school environments; and
WHEREAS, Girls Empowerment Network is truly deserving of
special recognition for its important work, and all those
associated with the organization may reflect with pride on their
exemplary efforts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby commend Girls Empowerment Network for its
achievements and extend to the group's staff, administrators, and
volunteers sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the
network as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of
Representatives.
A. Johnson of Harris
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1764 was adopted by the House on May
25, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House