HR1934: HR1934 Raksha, Inc.; celebration of its 30th anniversary; recognize

26 LC 112 4065 House Resolution 1934 By: Representatives Tran of the 80th, Au of the 50th, Miller of the 62nd, Draper of the 90th, Ali of the 106th, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Raksha Inc. upon the celebration of its 30th anniversary; and1 for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, for three decades, Raksha Inc. has provided services to survivors of domestic3 violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, strangulation, and other forms of violence,4 ensuring that individuals and families are treated with dignity while working toward their5 healing, empowerment, and justice; and6 WHEREAS, since its founding, Raksha Inc. has remained steadfast in its mission to promote7 a stronger and healthier South Asian community through confidential, culturally responsive,8 and linguistically accessible support services, education, and advocacy; and9 WHEREAS, Raksha Inc. proudly serves individuals and families throughout the entire State10 of Georgia, extending its reach across urban, suburban, and rural communities to ensure that11 no survivor is without access to support and advocacy; and12 WHEREAS, the organization has served thousands of survivors and their families across13 Georgia through crisis intervention, legal and systems advocacy , counseling referrals,14 prevention education, and community outreach; and15 H. R. 1934 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4065 WHEREAS, Raksha's youth engagement activities have helped create a new generation of16 leaders; and17 WHEREAS, under the steadfast and visionary leadership of Execut ive Director Aparna18 Bhattacharyya, who began her service with Raksha Inc. as a volunteer at its founding in 199519 and has served as executive director since 1998, the organizati on has grown from a20 grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized model for cu lturally specific,21 survivor-centered services; and22 WHEREAS, through her decades of leadership, Ms. Bhattacharyya h as strengthened23 Georgia's coordinated response to gender-based violence and has elevated the experiences24 and needs of immigrant and underserved communities in state and national policy25 conversations; and26 WHEREAS, these resources have enhanced awareness among first responders and service27 providers, contributed to improved documentation and intervention practices, and supported28 broader public safety efforts across Georgia and beyond; and29 WHEREAS, Raksha Inc. has had a meaningful national impact by co ntributing to the30 development of best practices in culturally specific advocacy, informing federal and state31 policy initiatives related to crime victim rights, language access, and violence prevention and32 providing training and technical assistance to governmental agencies, national coalitions, and33 service providers across the United States; and34 WHEREAS, the dedication of Raksha's staff, board members, volun teers, community35 partners, and supporters has sustained the organization's work for 30 years and has36 H. R. 1934 - 2 - 26 LC 112 4065 contributed meaningfully to the well-being and resilience of families throughout this state;37 and38 WHEREAS, the 30th anniversary of Raksha Inc. marks a significan t milestone worthy of39 recognition for its enduring commitment to service, advocacy, innovation, and community40 empowerment.41 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that42 the members of this body recognize and commend Raksha Inc. upon the celebration of its43 30th anniversary and express their profound appreciation for th ree decades of dedicated44 service to the people of Georgia and the nation.45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized46 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to47 Raksha Inc.48 H. R. 1934 - 3 -