TITLE: Commemorating the 115th anniversary of Family Support Services of Amarillo.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 115th anniversary of Family Support Services of Amarillo.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, For 115 years, Family Support Services of Amarillo has played a vital role in helping to ensure that individuals and families across the Panhandle are healthy, stable, and free of violence by providing comprehensive advocacy, education, and intervention services; and WHEREAS, The history of FSS dates back to 1908, when a group of local businessmen established the Associated Charities to serve the Amarillo community; over the years, the organization merged with a number of existing groups combatting domestic violence and providing family services; in 1993, it was reorganized under the name Family Support Services of Amarillo; FFS provides a safe haven for adults and children who have suffered trauma, domestic violence, assault, and trafficking and provides counseling and other behavioral health services; and WHEREAS, Focused on healing, stability, and well-being, FFS serves numerous people in the Panhandle region each year; the organization empowers individuals and families through its many robust programs, including advocacy services, behavioral health and wellness, education and prevention, emergency housing, and veterans resources; through its programs, FSS makes information and training available on the prevention of dating violence, child abuse, teen suicide, and substance abuse, while also extending support to new parents; the organization's programs and services also include a Veterans Resource Center, which helps veterans, family members, and surviving spouses to find housing and employment and to access available benefits; and WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, FSS continued to deliver on its promise to assist vulnerable members of the community, even as the organization confronted new challenges; in January 2020, its building in downtown Amarillo was destroyed in a fire, forcing staff to operate out of a temporary location before a new office was secured later in the year; FSS recently moved into a renovated, state-of-the-art office facility, which will allow the organization more space to provide enhanced services to the community; and WHEREAS, Guided by integrity, expertise, and commitment to service, the FSS executive team includes chief executive officer Jim Womack, chief operating officer Terry Stroud, chief development officer Joette Campbell, director of behavioral health and wellness Kathy Tortoreo, director of education Brandi Reed, Veterans Resource Center director Verlene Dickson, director of advocacy services Michelle Shields, director of administrative services Veronica Villanueva, and director of donor engagement Christy Bertolino; serving on the organization's board are president Freida Toler, president-elect Lisa Simpson, treasurer David Meraz, secretary Jenni Winegarner, and members Brad Baldridge, William Bailey, Brittainy Barber, Jason McCoy, Shauna Moore, Alex Yarbrough, Allison Roberts, David Lovejoy, Debra McCartt, and Russell Johnson; and WHEREAS, Family Support Services of Amarillo has helped countless individuals and families as they take the first steps toward healing and change, and all those who are involved in this remarkable organization are deserving of recognition for their contributions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 115th anniversary of Family Support Services of Amarillo and extend sincere best wishes for continued success to its staff, directors, volunteers, and other personnel; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Price Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2231 was adopted by the House on May 29, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House