HR 1772: Drake, Laura; retirement from the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry; commend

House Resolution 1772

By: Representatives Adeyina of the 110th, Okoye of the 102nd, Beckles of the 96th, Ali of the 106th, and Kendrick of the 95th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Laura Drake upon her retirement from the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the Georgia House of Representatives takes great pride in recognizing citizens whose dedication and service have strengthened communities across our state; and

WHEREAS, Laura Drake is retiring from the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry after 18 years of devoted and exemplary service to the people of Gwinnett County; and

WHEREAS, Laura Drake has a deep heart for serving others and has spent many years involved in community benevolence ministry; and

WHEREAS, before being called to serve as director of the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry, she volunteered with the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, where she served as both a client assistance volunteer and later as president of its Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, in response to God's calling, she went on to lead the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry, faithfully serving the community for 18 years and passionately meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of those facing hardship through food assistance and outreach programs; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Drake worked tirelessly to create welcoming spaces where people are treated with dignity and compassion and has consistently demonstrated the belief that simple acts of kindness can reflect God's love in powerful ways; and

WHEREAS, she has been blessed to serve alongside dedicated volunteers and has witnessed God's work in the lives of countless families, for which she remains deeply grateful as she prepares for retirement; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Drake is a loving wife, mother of two young adults, devoted daughter-in-law, and grandmother—she nurtures her family, teaches children's Bible study, enjoys time with her dog, and continues her faithful walk with Jesus; and

WHEREAS, the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry began in 1991 when founder Don Ashworth united four local churches in southern Gwinnett County to create a centralized, Christ-centered response to emergency needs in the community; and

WHEREAS, what began as a small, shared effort quickly grew into a trusted ministry model rooted in generosity, unity, and the belief that Jesus Christ is the hero of the story, meeting needs through His people; and

WHEREAS, over the years, the co-op expanded far beyond its original four congregations, and today more than 25 churches, together with businesses, civic groups, schools, and individual donors, form the backbone of the ministry; and

WHEREAS, a major milestone came in 2013 when the co-op purchased a 15,000 square foot facility in Grayson that supports food distribution, volunteer operations, seasonal programs, and administrative needs, and in 2014, the ministry moved into this permanent home, which—being fully paid off—allows for greater investment in serving families and strengthening programs; and

WHEREAS, the co-op operates almost entirely through volunteer power-individuals, church groups, students, civic organizations, and even court-ordered volunteers—whose service to sort donations, pack food, pray with clients, and serve families with dignity is among the ministry's greatest strengths; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry is to honor and uphold the Lordship of Jesus Christ by reaching out to neighbors in need so they may experience encouragement, love, and hope, and every act of service is offered in His name; and

WHEREAS, under Ms. Drake's leadership, the ministry has grown both financially and impactfully, serving thousands of families each year with food, emergency assistance, and spiritual encouragement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend Laura Drake for her efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated service to the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry and extend the most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Laura Drake.