2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 679

Commending United Methodist Family Services.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 18, 2025

Agreed to by the Senate, February 20, 2025

WHEREAS, United Methodist Family Services celebrates 125 years of dedicated service to the children and families of the Commonwealth in 2025; and

WHEREAS, United Methodist Family Services (UMFS), a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization, has provided unwavering support to children in crisis, foster families, and vulnerable youth by delivering innovative and life-changing programs; and

WHEREAS, UMFS was founded in 1900 with a vision of ensuring that all children, regardless of circumstance, have the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive, and loving environment; and

WHEREAS, over the past 125 years, UMFS has expanded its services across the Commonwealth, evolving into a statewide leader in child welfare, foster care, adoption services, community-based services, and specialized education through its Charterhouse School; and

WHEREAS, UMFS has remained committed to its mission of empowering vulnerable children, youth, and families to reach their full potential through a network of community-based programs, residential treatment, therapeutic foster care, and independent living support for youth transitioning out of foster care; and

WHEREAS, UMFS has forged lasting partnerships with state and local government agencies, faith communities, volunteers, and nonprofit organizations to ensure that children and families receive the comprehensive support they need; and

WHEREAS, in its 125th year, UMFS continues to embrace core values of unwavering support, innovation, collaboration, and excellence in service delivery, providing hope and healing to thousands of children and families each year; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend United Methodist Family Services on the occasion of its 125th anniversary for its invaluable contributions to the well-being of children and families in the Commonwealth; and be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the board of directors of United Methodist Family Services as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for the organization's lasting impact on the Commonwealth's children, youth, and families.