HR1401 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1401 LRB099 22725 GRL 50210 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the administration and staff of Concordia Place on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Concordia Child Care Center and the 10th anniversary of the Concordia Avondale Campus in 2016; and

WHEREAS, Concordia Place is a vibrant non-profit organization that provides proactive solutions to key social needs; Concordia Place focuses on growth and opportunity to instill self-sufficiency and independence and serves low-income and working poor families through economically inclusive programs; and

WHEREAS, Concordia Place was created in 1981 when three single mothers approached Pastor Nicholas Zook at Concordia Lutheran Church, asking for help with after-school care for their children; despite the fact that the mothers were not members of the church and had very little means, Pastor Zook agreed and started an after-school program for 12 "latch-key kids"; and

WHEREAS, In 1989, the Concordia Child Care Center was expanded to include full-day preschool for children ages three to five; in 2001, Concordia Lutheran Church purchased a vacant church and school at 3300 N. Whipple St. and began fundraising and working with elected officials and community leaders to expand to serve more children and families in the Avondale community; in 2002, the Concordia Avondale Campus was created; in 2003, the Concordia Child Care Center was included in this new non-profit organization; in 2006, the Concordia Child Care Center opened, which expanded programs to infants and toddlers as well as teens, seniors, and adult learning programs; in 2009, the organization's name was changed to Concordia Place to reflect the multiple communities that they serve; in 2016, Concordia Day, a sister program, was launched with a social mission of strengthening Concordia Place and its mission; and

WHEREAS, Concordia Place currently serves 800 young children, teens, adults, and seniors every year through numerous services, including Early Learning and pre-school care and education programs, School-Age 365 after-school and summer camp programs, teen leadership initiatives, resume preparation and career exploration services, free English as a Second Language classes, senior wellness programs, senior lift and transportation volunteer programs, service learning projects, ecology, nutrition, and culinary programs, and holistic services, among others; and

WHEREAS, The administration and staff of Concordia Place serve as models of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the administration and staff of Concordia Place on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of their original location in North Center, Chicago, and the 10th anniversary of their expansion to the Avondale community and wish them continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Concordia Place as a symbol of our esteem and respect.