TITLE: Commending American YouthWorks and its AmeriCorps members for their service in the wake of the 2011 wildfires.

SUMMARY: Commending American YouthWorks and its AmeriCorps members for their service in the wake of the 2011 wildfires.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The 2011 Central Texas wildfires destroyed more than 1,600 homes and devastated the Bastrop State Park ecosystem, yet in the aftermath of this terrible disaster, numerous emergency first responders stepped forward to help the communities and their citizens rebuild; and WHEREAS, Among these outstanding volunteers were AmeriCorps members from American YouthWorks who soon began working with authorities in Bastrop; taking on key leadership positions, they organized thousands of participants to help homeowners remove debris; the initial team consisted of American YouthWorks and the Washington Conservation Corps, and later these organizations were joined by members of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps and the Hoopa Tribal Civilian Community Corps of California; and WHEREAS, AmeriCorps members devoted 9,336 hours to recovery efforts in Bastrop County as well as in Travis and Waller Counties; in addition, they recruited more than 4,000 volunteers who provided over 26,000 hours of direct service to the region; together, the groups assisted more than 190 households; and WHEREAS, The OneStar Foundation, which supports AmeriCorps programs as well as the nonprofit sector throughout the state of Texas, has allocated resources to support American YouthWorks's critical role in future times of disaster; and WHEREAS, Through their hard work, cooperative spirit, and dedication to the greater good, AmeriCorps members from American YouthWorks contributed enormously to their community during a time of dire need, and it is indeed fitting to honor them for their role in the Central Texas wildfire recovery operations; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commend American YouthWorks and its AmeriCorps members for their service in the wake of the 2011 wildfires and extend to them sincere gratitude for their accomplishments; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for American YouthWorks as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Kleinschmidt Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 597 was adopted by the House on February 27, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House