Bill Text: IL SJR0044 | 2019-2020 | 101st General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Designates the Shapiro Development Center at 100 E. Jeffery Street, Kankakee, Illinois as the Ira Collins Shapiro Development Center.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Failed) 2021-01-13 - Session Sine Die [SJR0044 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2019-SJR0044-Introduced.html

---

SJ0044 LRB101 12567 ALS 60967 r
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General
Assembly pays honor and respect to those individuals who have
contributed to the success of their community and the State;
and
WHEREAS, Ira Collins began his career as an entry-level
hospital attendant in Nevada, Missouri; during his first five
years, he worked as a direct care worker and activity therapy
aide for people with mental illnesses; in 1964, his career
emphasis expanded when he was assigned the responsibility for
directing all programs and services for individuals who lived
at the three Missouri state schools and hospitals for people
with intellectual disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Ira Collins served as Director of Special Olympics
for the state of Missouri in 1969 and 1970; he was recruited by
the State of Illinois to serve as State program coordinator for
individuals with developmental disabilities in 1970; his
accomplishments as the State program coordinator were
recognized by Governor Ogilvie with a Superior Achievement
Award in 1971; he was named director of the Kankakee State
Hospital in 1974 and was assigned the task of converting the
hospital from a center that simply warehoused those with mental
illness to one which worked to improve the lives of those with

SJ0044 - 2 - LRB101 12567 ALS 60967 r
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, After the successful conversion of the facility,
Ira Collins served as the Director of the Shapiro Center for 45
years; he maintained an excellent reputation for the provision
of superior services, and the Center has not only been
recognized as the best State operated center in Illinois, but
it has also been recognized as one of the best in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, While serving as Director of the Shapiro Center,
Ira Collins frequently served in dual roles, including as
Facility Director of the Howe Developmental Center, as Regional
Director, and more recently, as Facility Director of the
Lincoln Developmental Center; from 1987 until 1991, he served
as the Deputy Director of the Department of Mental Health and
Developmental Disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Ira Collins has a Bachelor of Science in Human
Relations and Psychology and a Master of Science in Special
Education and Administration and is an Illinois Licensed
Nursing Home Administrator; he and his wife have four sons, ten
grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SJ0044 - 3 - LRB101 12567 ALS 60967 r
CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the Shapiro Development
Center at 100 E. Jeffery Street, Kankakee, Illinois as the Ira
Collins Shapiro Development Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Department of Human Services is
requested to erect, at suitable locations, appropriate plaques
or signage giving notice of the name "Ira Collins Shapiro
Development Center"; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we commend Ira Collins on his distinguished
career and his lifelong dedication to the people of Illinois;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
presented to the Director of the Department of Human Services
and Ira Collins.