SR898: SR898 Atlanta Children's Day Shelter; recognize

26 LC 112 3797 Senate Resolution 898 By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Kemp of the 38th, Harrell of the 40th, James of the 28th, Rhett of the 33rd and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending the Atlanta Children's Day Shelter for 40 years of service to1 Georgia's children and families; and for other purposes.2 3 WHEREAS, the Atlanta Children's Day Shelter was founded in 1986 through the leadership4 and vision of the Junior League of Atlanta and North Avenue Pre sbyterian Church, who5 recognized the urgent need to provide stability, education, and comprehensive support to6 young children and families experiencing homelessness; and7 WHEREAS, for 40 years, the Atlanta Children's Day Shelter has served children and families8 facing housing instability by providing high-quality early chil dhood education,9 trauma-informed care, mental health services, family support, a nd crisis stabilization10 resources that create pathways toward long-term achievement and stability; and11 WHEREAS, across the State of Georgia, approximately 2 percent of public school students12 lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and nearly 60,000 children statewide13 are homeless or living in unstable housing, a figure that has increased substantially in recent14 years, placing at-risk students at a severe disadvantage in edu cational attainment, mental15 health, and overall family well-being; and16 S. R. 898 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3797 WHEREAS, while Georgia has made progress in overall educational outcomes—such as17 record-high statewide graduation rates—students experiencing homelessness nationally and18 within Georgia continue to face academic and social-emotional c hallenges, graduating at19 lower rates compared with their peers and underscoring the need for targeted early20 intervention, behavioral health supports, and wrap-around services; and21 WHEREAS, the Atlanta Children's Day Shelter advances a national ly recognized22 two-generation (2Gen) approach, supporting both children and th eir parents23 simultaneously—ensuring that children receive high-quality earl y education and24 social-emotional support within a trauma-informed environment while parents gain access25 to workforce development, housing stability resources, mental h ealth services, and26 individualized case management that strengthen the entire family unit; and27 WHEREAS, by centering resilience, healing, and whole-family well-being and through the28 dedication of its staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and community partners, the29 Atlanta Children's Day Shelter has strengthened thousands of fa milies, fostered school30 readiness, and helped build a more resilient and opportunity-ri ch future for communities31 across the State of Georgia.32 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body33 recognize and commend the Atlanta Children's Day Shelter for 40 years of transformative34 service to Georgia's children and families; honor its leadership in advancing a comprehensive35 two-generation strategy rooted in education, mental health, and trauma-informed care; and36 extend their appreciation for its vital contributions to improving the long-term educational,37 emotional, and life outcomes of children and families experiencing homelessness.38 S. R. 898 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3797 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed39 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Atlanta40 Children's Day Shelter.41 S. R. 898 - 3 -