SR0973 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0973 LRB100 15091 ALS 29936 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lisa Ann LaForge, who passed away on June 29, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Lisa LaForge spent her career as a social worker, and she was committed to helping the clients of the Family Service Association of Greater Elgin, where she was the Executive Director; she worked tirelessly with the Board, the leadership team of the association, and staff to improve the lives of many; and

WHEREAS, One of Lisa LaForge's crowning achievements was the instrumental role she played in starting the Screening, Assessment, and Support Services Program in the State of Illinois; she was the leader that brought the program to Family Service Association; she worked together with Illinois officials for many years to bring together a crisis system that was, and still is, responsive to youth experiencing significant mental health distress; and

WHEREAS, Lisa LaForge also played a substantial role in the Mental Health Juvenile Justice Program; she worked together with local courts, the juvenile detention center, and probation departments to create a work flow that allowed for youth to receive community based services prior to their release from the detention center; she was a pioneer, and she won the Elgin Image Award for her outstanding work in advocacy while also running a highly reputable, financially solvent organization that responds to community needs; and

WHEREAS, Lisa LaForge was a good friend, mentor and colleague to many; she was a dedicated daughter, sister, and aunt; she was fun and funny, regaling all with a wicked sense of humor and an infectious laugh; and

WHEREAS, Lisa LaForge is survived by her parents, Peter and Peggy LaForge; her brothers, Philip (Patricia) and Steven (Julie); her nieces and nephews, Peter, Claire, Jonathan, and Lorisa; and many cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Lisa Ann LaForge 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 Lisa LaForge as an expression of our deepest sympathy.