Bill Text: VA HJR950 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Evelyn Bethel and Helen Davis.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-2)
Status: (Passed) 2019-02-21 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ950ER) [HJR950 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-HJR950-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, for 10 years, Mary's Shelter in Fredericksburg has helped women and their children achieve stable, independent living by providing transitional housing, career and life-skills training, and mentorship; and
WHEREAS, founded in 2006 by Kathleen Wilson, Theresa Rousseau, Mark Rousseau, and Chris Taraschke, Mary's Shelter began as a two-room apartment where women could find a safe place to call home while working to further their education or secure a career; and
WHEREAS, Mary's Shelter has grown into a community of group homes in downtown Fredericksburg that have served more than 200 women and hundreds of children; women can live in a Mary's Shelter home for up to three years and receive in-house parenting and life-skills classes, as well as one-on-one mentorship; and
WHEREAS, Mary's Shelter provides employment, financial, and mental health resources, as well as clothing and other everyday items, to allow residents to focus on building a stronger future for themselves and their families; and
WHEREAS, Mary's Shelter works to break the generational cycle of domestic violence and strives to provide a supportive environment for women with substance abuse issues to overcome their addictions; and
WHEREAS, Mary's Shelter has succeeded in its benevolent mission thanks to the hard work of its many volunteers and countless generous donations from churches and community partners; and
WHEREAS, Mary's Shelter commemorated its 10th anniversary with a special celebration at the Fredericksburg Expo Center on August 13, 2016; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Mary's Shelter for its compassionate service to women and children in Fredericksburg on the occasion of its 10th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Mary's Shelter as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's work to provide safety and stability for members of the community in need.
