HR1772: HR1772 Drake, Laura; retirement from the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry; commend

26 LC 112 3969 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 Gwinnett1 Cooperative Ministry; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Georgia House of Representatives takes great pride in recognizing citizens3 whose dedication and service have strengthened communities across our state; and4 WHEREAS, Laura Drake is retiring from the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry after5 18 years of devoted and exemplary service to the people of Gwinnett County; and6 WHEREAS, Laura Drake has a deep heart for serving others and ha s spent many years7 involved in community benevolence ministry; and8 WHEREAS, before being called to serve as director of the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative9 Ministry, she volunteered with the Lawrenceville Cooperative Mi nistry, where she served10 as both a client assistance volunteer and later as president of its Board of Directors; and11 WHEREAS, in response to God's calling, she went on to lead the Southeast Gwinnett12 Cooperative Ministry, faithfully serving the community for 18 y ears and passionately13 H. R. 1772 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3969 meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of those facing h ardship through food14 assistance and outreach programs; and15 WHEREAS, Ms. Drake worked tirelessly to create welcoming spaces where people are16 treated with dignity and compassion and has consistently demonstrated the belief that simple17 acts of kindness can reflect God's love in powerful ways; and18 WHEREAS, she has been blessed to serve alongside dedicated volunteers and has witnessed19 God's work in the lives of countless families, for which she remains deeply grateful as she20 prepares for retirement; and21 WHEREAS, Ms. Drake is a loving wife, mother of two young adults , devoted22 daughter-in-law, and grandmother—she nurtures her family, teaches children's Bible study,23 enjoys time with her dog, and continues her faithful walk with Jesus; and24 WHEREAS, the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry began in 1991 when founder Don25 Ashworth united four local churches in southern Gwinnett County to create a centralized,26 Christ-centered response to emergency needs in the community; and27 WHEREAS, what began as a small, shared effort quickly grew into a trusted ministry model28 rooted in generosity, unity, and the belief that Jesus Christ is the hero of the story, meeting29 needs through His people; and30 WHEREAS, over the years, the co-op expanded far beyond its original four congregations,31 and today more than 25 churches, together with businesses, civi c groups, schools, and32 individual donors, form the backbone of the ministry; and33 H. R. 1772 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3969 WHEREAS, a major milestone came in 2013 when the co-op purchased a 15,000 square foot34 facility in Grayson that supports food distribution, volunteer operations, seasonal programs,35 and administrative needs, and in 2014, the ministry moved into this permanent home,36 which—being fully paid off—allows for greater investment in ser ving families and37 strengthening programs; and38 WHEREAS, the co-op operates almost entirely through volunteer power-individuals, church39 groups, students, civic organizations, and even court-ordered volunteers—whose service to40 sort donations, pack food, pray with clients, and serve familie s with dignity is among the41 ministry's greatest strengths; and42 WHEREAS, the mission of the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Mini stry is to honor and43 uphold the Lordship of Jesus Christ by reaching out to neighbor s in need so they may44 experience encouragement, love, and hope, and every act of service is offered in His name;45 and46 WHEREAS, under Ms. Drake's leadership, the ministry has grown b oth financially and47 impactfully, serving thousands of families each year with food, emergency assistance, and48 spiritual encouragement.49 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that50 the members of this body recognize and commend Laura Drake for her efficient, effective,51 unselfish, and dedicated service to the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry and extend52 the most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness.53 H. R. 1772 - 3 - 26 LC 112 3969 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized54 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Laura55 Drake.56 H. R. 1772 - 4 -