Reps. Lipsey, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Bieda, Byrum, Caswell, Clack, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Farrah, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hager, Hardman, Hoogendyk, Hopgood, Jamnick, Koetje, Kolb, Kooiman, LaSata, McConico, Middaugh, Minore, Murphy, Newell, Paletko, Pappageorge, Phillips, Plakas, Richardville, Rivet, Sak, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Van Regenmorter, Voorhees, Waters, Wojno and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 138.

            A resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Community Advocates for Persons with Developmental Disabilities and expressing appreciation for their valuable contributions in Michigan.

            Whereas, Community Advocates was founded in April of 1952, and later incorporated in October of 1953, as a not-for-profit agency called the Kalamazoo Association for Retarded Children; and

            Whereas, We are proud to join with the members, officers, and friends of Community Advocates as they gather to mark their 50th anniversary; and

            Whereas, We recognize and commend this outstanding group and their milestone as a reflection of their unselfishness and commitment to the common good; and

            Whereas, While the members of this distinguished organization celebrate 50 years of service, we offer our thanks for the gifts they have shared within Kalamazoo County and throughout Michigan; and

            Whereas, In the years that have followed since they first came together, this organization has been a determined force in the efforts to ensure the interests and rights of adults and children with developmental disabilities are safeguarded; and

            Whereas, Community Advocates has been a leader in Kalamazoo County assisting to encourage the establishment of adequate support structures that enable opportunities for independence and galvanize available resources towards education for the developmentally disabled, their families, and the community as a whole; and

            Whereas, This organization has helped to inspire, support, and develop many of the sister programs and agencies that exist today; and

            Whereas, With ceremonies to celebrate its history, the members and officers of Community Advocates will remember the vision of many people and the hours and years of commitment that have brought the group to this point; and

            Whereas, Fittingly, as we look to the past, we will also be casting an eye to the future and to the many ways in which Community Advocates will continue to reach out in Kalamazoo County and the great state of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 50th anniversary of Community Advocates and to express appreciation for their valuable contributions to the citizens of the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Community Advocates for Persons with Disabilities as evidence of our esteem.