HR1125 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1125 LRB095 20613 KXB 48714 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor Henry W. Tews for his devotion to helping men and women overcome substance abuse and chemical dependence; and

WHEREAS, Henry Tews is an exceptional individual, a man whose passion and vision have helped thousands of men and women in DuPage County recovering from substance abuse and chemical dependence rebuild their lives and return as productive members of their communities; and

WHEREAS, A recovering alcoholic's last request in 1965 so moved Mr. Tews that he spent the next twenty years working to open the first comprehensive treatment center in DuPage County; today, Serenity House serves a population that is often overlooked, indigent men and women who are struggling with addiction; 85% of the individuals entering into the programs of Serenity House are homeless, unemployed, and without health insurance; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tews founded Serenity House in 1985, and the organization has grown from a four-bed cottage to a nationally recognized treatment facility serving hundreds of men and women in extended residential care, independent living, and outpatient programs; today, Serenity House is recognized as an example of excellence in providing comprehensive substance abuse treatment and responding to the complex needs of the men and women in the programs; Serenity House still remains the only facility of its kind located in DuPage County; and

WHEREAS, Some of Mr. Tews other accomplishments include: President of the DuPage Prevention Partnership Board (reelected six times), instructor at the College of DuPage ("Starting a Social Service Agency", "Spirituality in Recovery"), member of the Catholic Charities Advisory Board, United Way Ambassador of Mercy and Agency Board Trustee, and an appointment to a Special Supreme Court Committee on the Lawyer's Assistance Program; and

WHEREAS, He has also been the recipient of a multitude of awards commending him for his contributions to the community, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) 2005 Outstanding Community Leader, the DuPage County Citizen of the Year, the United Way Most Valuable Ambassador, and a Resolution of Commendation for National Recovery Month from DuPage County; in addition he served as a facilitator for the "Building Better Communities" conference in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, An accomplished author, Mr. Tews recently published the expanded edition of his popular book, Paint a Little Square, an inspirational collection of short stories that have touched the hearts of readers worldwide; Mr. Tews resides in Crest Hill, with his wife and golf partner, Diane; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor Henry Tews for his dedication to the people of DuPage County who need a friend in times of hardship; and be it further

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