88R15014 BK-D
By: Manuel H.R. No. 349
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, For nearly two decades, The Arc of Greater Beaumont
has served as an important resource and advocate for area residents
with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, The Arc of Greater Beaumont was established
as a local chapter of The Arc of Texas and The Arc of the United
States, which were formed in the early 1950s to promote the
inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities; the founding of the Beaumont chapter was led by five
concerned parents who wanted to provide opportunities for their
young adult children to socialize after they graduated from public
school; over the span of a decade, the organization grew to serve
more than 400 individuals, offering a variety of programs designed
to help them live fuller and more independent lives; and
WHEREAS, Through The Arc's Adult Socialization and Leisure
Activities program, participants take part in field trips, dances,
community service projects, and other activities in a safe,
supervised environment, which can help them become more adept at
interacting with others; The Arc of Greater Beaumont also offers a
Children & Family Services program that provides specialized
support for the families and caregivers of children with
developmental disabilities; moreover, the chapter's Southeast
Texas Self-Advocates initiative is managed by adults with
disabilities and designed to help its members develop skills in the
areas of self-advocacy, leadership, and education; and
WHEREAS, The Arc of Greater Beaumont has excelled in its
mission of building a more inclusive and equitable community for
all, and the contributions of the organization and its hardworking
volunteers have touched the lives of numerous area residents; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby honor The Arc of Greater Beaumont for its
service to individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities and their families and extend to the organization's
leadership, staff, and volunteers sincere best wishes for the
future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for The Arc of Greater Beaumont as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.