89R23830 CW-D By: Flores H.R. No. 900 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Jeannette Valdez Duran has rendered invaluable service to the citizens of Austin through her work at the helm of Mobile Blessings from the Heart; and WHEREAS, This esteemed organization traces its origins to the period between 2006 and 2009, when Ms. Duran was living on the streets of North Austin; she struggled to find enough food to eat, and one night, she summoned up the courage to ask the manager of a convenience store for the day's leftovers; his kindness inspired her to change the trajectory of her life, and what began with the simple act of giving out donations with a "free food" sign in her parents' front yard ultimately led to the creation of Mobile Blessings from the Heart; and WHEREAS, Today, under the direction of Ms. Duran, Mobile Blessings from the Heart is a faith-based mobile pantry that distributes food to those in need; through its partnerships with the Central Texas Food Bank, Black Women in Business, and local grocery stores, the East Austin nonprofit and its volunteers serve approximately 500 families every weekend, with some people arriving by bus from surrounding cities; moreover, the organization serves senior citizens and students, and it hosts mobile pop-up pantries in low-income neighborhoods and unhoused communities across Austin; tables of food arranged for the public feature such items as meat, bread, produce, and flower bouquets; and WHEREAS, Jeannette Duran is making a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger in Austin communities and beyond, and it is indeed a pleasure to join in honoring her for her contributions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby commend Jeannette Valdez Duran for her exemplary efforts with Mobile Blessings from the Heart and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success with her important work; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Duran as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.