HR1537: HR1537 Atlanta Children's Day Shelter; 40 years of service to Georgia's children and families; commend

26 LC 112 3789 House Resolution 1537 By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Davis of the 87th, Evans of the 57th, and Berry of the 56th 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 H. R. 1537 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3789 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that33 the members of this body recognize and commend the Atlanta Children's Day Shelter for 4034 years of transformative service to Georgia's children and famil ies; honor its leadership in35 advancing a comprehensive two-generation strategy rooted in education, mental health, and36 trauma-informed care; and extend their appreciation for its vital contributions to improving37 the long-term educational, emotional, and life outcomes of chil dren and families38 experiencing homelessness.39 H. R. 1537 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3789 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized40 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the41 Atlanta Children's Day Shelter.42 H. R. 1537 - 3 -