Bill Text: VA SJR326 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending AMIkids.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-04-03 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ326ER) [SJR326 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-SJR326-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, for 50 years, AMIkids has helped at-risk youth overcome negative influences and become productive members of their communities and responsible citizens of the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, founded in 1969 by Robert Rosof and Frank Orlando in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, AMIkids has proved itself a valuable ally in the great task of mentoring and nurturing at-risk youth; and
WHEREAS, from the beginning, AMIkids' mission has been to provide troubled youth with positive alternatives to institutional incarceration by offering them a second chance, a new direction, and caring, guiding hands within a community-based setting; and
WHEREAS, 32 years ago, AMIkids arrived in Virginia and began operations in urban and rural settings focused on serving youth involved in the juvenile probation system; and
WHEREAS, nationally, AMIkids has served and helped transform the lives of more than 136,000 youth, including more than 2,500 in Virginia; and
WHEREAS, AMIkids maintains a proactive relationship with state agencies, law enforcement, and government officials; the organization's visionary leadership has changed the lives of thousands of young people and helped Virginia achieve some of the lowest recidivism rates in the United States, saving the Commonwealth millions of dollars in institutional costs and increasing the safety and security of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, AMIkids gives young people the tools to work their way back into a world of opportunity; AMIkids graduates have gone on to earn high school and college diplomas, start small businesses, find gainful employment, enlist in the military, and serve as loving and nurturing parents; and
WHEREAS, holding fast to its mission, AMIkids continues to assist youth with "separating a troubled past from a bright future"; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend AMIkids on the occasion of its 50th anniversary for providing love, hope, and practical assistance to at-risk youth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to AMIkids as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's incredible achievements and invaluable contributions to young people.
