TITLE: Recognizing the Mary McLeod Bethune Day Nursery, Incorporated, for 75 years of service to the Corpus Christi community.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Mary McLeod Bethune Day Nursery, Incorporated, for 75 years of service to the Corpus Christi community.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Mary McLeod Bethune Day Nursery, Incorporated, which is celebrating 75 years of service in 2017; and WHEREAS, The nursery was founded by a group of concerned citizens in Corpus Christi in 1942 and has provided excellent day care for children throughout its history; and WHEREAS, The need for such a facility was recognized by Mrs. Bernice Leonard and the Reverend B. E. Joshua, who met late in 1941 with other interested parents to discuss establishing a day care, having learned that more than 200 children in the city were being cared for by older brothers and sisters who were unable to attend school because their parents were working away from the home; and WHEREAS, A small frame house was purchased and cleaned by volunteers, and the center was named for Mary McLeod Bethune, a black educator who founded Bethune-Cookman College, helped form the National Council of Negro Women, and served as a coordinator for Negro Youth of America and as an advisor to three presidents; and WHEREAS, Mary McLeod Bethune Day Nursery was incorporated on February 9, 1942; with donations of money, food, and milk from churches, clubs, and concerned citizens, volunteers began helping to care for the children; and WHEREAS, As enrollment increased, additional funds became necessary, and in January of 1943, Bethune Day Nursery became one of the first participating agencies of the Community Chest; the Texas Department of Welfare granted additional funding in 1953 for the 64 children ranging in age from two to six years; and WHEREAS, Over the years, and through the generosity of numerous individuals, foundations, corporations, civic organizations, and volunteers, the nursery has grown and expanded its facilities to meet the needs of the community; and WHEREAS, The citizens of Corpus Christi have provided the working parents of their city with an outstanding nursery that has allowed family members to pursue their education, hold jobs, and improve their standard of living; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend the Mary McLeod Bethune Day Nursery, Incorporated, on 75 years of outstanding service to the Corpus Christi community; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the nursery in honor of its 75th anniversary. Hinojosa President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 23, 2017.