HR0985 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0985 LRB099 20119 MST 44550 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Vanessa Ann Rich of Chicago, who passed away on December 27, 2015 at the age of 64; and

WHEREAS, Vanessa Rich served as the City of Chicago Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Family and Support Services; and

WHEREAS, Vanessa Rich held a number of positions throughout her career, including Early Childhood Teacher and Tester, Rock Island School District and Bi-State Commission, Rock Island, 1969 to 1970; President and Master Trainer, Center Circle, Inc. Training and Consulting Company, 1985 to 2015; Dean Adult Learning Skills Program, Wright Community College, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, 1987 to 1996; Director Head Start Region V Training Contract CSR, Chicago, 1980s; Director I Executive Director, West Central Illinois Legal Assistance/HOPE Head Start, Galesburg, 1970 to 1987; and College Instructor, Workshop Facilitator, and Public Speaker, 1970 to 2015; and

WHEREAS, Vanessa Rich severed in numerous notable roles, including 1977 Department of Health Education and Welfare Policy Caucus Member; 1979 appointment by the Carter Administration - International Year of the Child Committee Member; Chicago Association for Education of Young Children Board Member - Head Start Representative; Illinois Association for Education of Young Children Board of Directors - Head Start representative; Children's Defense Fund Advisory Board; National Head Start Academy Instructor; National Head Start Parent Affiliate Organizing Committee (1974); Board Member, Illinois Head Start Association, Friends Association, Directors Association; Board Member, Region V Association; past Chairwoman, Illinois Director Association; Keynote Speaker, National Parent Association; Illinois Early Learning Council (Governor Appointee); Member and Chairwoman, Clinton Crime Commission Summit; NHSA Strategic Planning Committee; Member, NHSA Champions of Change Illinois Race to the Top Ad Hoc Planning Committee; Member, NHSA Government Affairs Committee; Member, NHSA Performance Standards Committee; convened and sponsored the Chicago Head Start Policy Project; and

WHEREAS, Vanessa Rich received many accolades during her life, including Region V Outstanding Head Start Director, the City College of Chicago Women of the Year Award, the Illinois Head Start Association Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, and the Illinois Head Start Association Silver Anniversary Service Award; and

WHEREAS, Vanessa Rich was the beloved mother of Seth Justin Rich (Veronica) and Vyctoria Jamie Kranz (Gregory); the loving sister of Richard Hudson (Aloyce), Ronald Hudson (Ree), and Crystal Hudson-Jones (Keith); the proud grandmother of Alecia, Brittney, Maritza, James, Zachary, Seth Xavier, Isaiah, and one great-grandchild, Edwin; the aunt to many nieces and nephews; and friend to all; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Vanessa Ann Rich, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Vanessa Rich as an expression of our deepest sympathy.