TITLE: Commemorating the Children First Counseling Center's annual Little Lunch of HOPE.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the Children First Counseling Center's annual Little Lunch of HOPE.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Each year, the Children First Counseling Center of Grand Prairie hosts its Little Lunch of HOPE to raise funds for the agency's important work; and WHEREAS, Established in 1977, Children First initially operated as Family Outreach, a volunteer organization that performed case management for the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services; its mission evolved to encompass professional counseling and therapy services for victims of abuse, and as it separated from the state, it incorporated under its present-day name to better reflect its focus and services; and WHEREAS, Today, Children First is a nonprofit agency providing counseling services by a diverse staff of licensed therapists with master's degrees; it accepts clients age three and older, including adults, who reside in Grand Prairie and surrounding areas in Dallas and Tarrant Counties; most are eligible for care at little to no cost, thanks to funding from such sources as government grants, donations, and the United Way; and WHEREAS, The agency is dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse and family violence and supports mental health in a variety of ways; in addition to the state-accredited Batterers Intervention and Prevention Program, it offers specialized adolescent services and general counseling for a range of issues, from grief, anxiety, and depression to trauma and stress; and WHEREAS, Through its endeavors, Children First has made a positive difference in the lives of countless Texans, and in so doing, it has helped to strengthen area families and communities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commemorate the Children First Counseling Center's annual Little Lunch of HOPE and extend to all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Children First Counseling Center as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Turner of Tarrant Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 100 was adopted by the House on October 14, 2021, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House