The Texas Legislature designated October 24, 2003, as Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services Day in Texas.

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In 1903, the Ladies Missionary Society of the First Presbyterian Church in Dallas established an organization to care for our state's most vulnerable citizens, its children; and

WHEREAS, Since that time, the [organization] now known as Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (PCHAS) has offered assistance and hope to thousands of Texas children and their families, creating group homes, providing foster homes, and developing many services and programs to meet the needs of Texans in crisis; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing that the challenges facing children have changed dramatically in the past 100 years, PCHAS has evolved with the times and now provides therapeutic programs... and educational support to children in need; this esteemed organization operates 19 group homes on campuses in Itasca, San Antonio, Duncanville, Austin, and Waxahachie, and its innovative Child and Family Programs are available in Corsicana, Houston, Austin, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, and Kilgore; and

WHEREAS, The year 2003 marks the centennial of PCHAS, and this milestone will be celebrated with such events as an open house at each PCHAS facility [and] a special birthday party...; the group will also publish a commemorative book, and a worship service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Dallas [on Sunday, October 12, 2003]; and

WHEREAS, For the past century, PCHAS has served as a vital resource to many; whether helping young people to overcome abuse, neglect, or abandonment, or lending a helping hand to families facing economic hardship, serious parental illness, or other parenting crises, the organization has made this state all the better through its fine work; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas, 1st Called Session, hereby designate October 24, 2003, as Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services Day in Texas and commend this outstanding organization for its ongoing efforts to benefit this state's citizens; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.

By: Pitts
H.C.R. No. 4
Legislative Session: 78(1)
Bill History

October 2003