Bill Text: GA HR787 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

Georgia House Resolution 787 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Georgia Justice Project; 25th anniversary; commend

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-0)

Status: (Passed) 2011-03-31 - House Read and Adopted [HR787 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2011-HR787-Introduced.html

11 LC 36 1930

House Resolution 787

By: Representatives Ashe of the 56th, Abrams of the 84th, Benfield of the 85th, Henson of the 87th, Morgan of the 39th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending the Georgia Justice Project on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, since 1986 the Georgia Justice Project has been ensuring justice for the indigent criminally accused as well as assisting them in establishing crime-free lives and becoming productive citizens; and

WHEREAS, the staff attorneys at the Georgia Justice Project provide high-quality legal defense at no charge so that their clients are assured that they have someone who believes in them and is fighting on their behalf to make sure they are afforded due process; and

WHEREAS, upon resolution of each case, clients and their family members are assigned to a member of the social work staff at the Georgia Justice Project who offers a range of counseling and referral services such as substance abuse treatment, education support, financial assistance, and MARTA cards for so long as such support is needed; and

WHEREAS, the employment support team of the Georgia Justice Project provides job readiness assessments, access to job openings and leads, and comprehensive support with each step of an employment plan; and

WHEREAS, the recidivism rate for Georgia Justice Project clients is just 17 percent, less than one-third the national average; and

WHEREAS, this incredible organization, which has not sought or received any government funding, is funded entirely by private donations from local and national foundations, the Atlanta faith community, and individuals; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Justice Project and its amazing staff such as Doug Ammar, who has been with the organization for more than 20 years, first as a volunteer then as a staff attorney and now as its executive director, are a beacon of light for this state and for every community, making an everlasting impact in the lives of those whom they represent; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding work of this fine organization located just behind Dr. Martin Luther King's grave on Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta be appropriately recognized.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body congratulate the Georgia Justice Project on its 25th anniversary, recognize the legacy of achievement and the impact it has had on Georgia's indigent criminally accused, and extend best wishes for continued success in its ongoing mission of ensuring justice, promoting crime-free lives, and transforming individuals into productive citizens.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Georgia Justice Project.