2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101083D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 143

Offered February 16, 2026

Commending CARITAS.

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Patrons—Carr, Dougherty, McQuinn, Schmidt and Willett; Senators: Bagby, Deeds, Jones, McDougle and VanValkenburg

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WHEREAS, for 20 years, CARITAS has been a leader in the Greater Richmond region's recovery community, providing low-barrier, no-cost access to critical services for people struggling with addiction; and

WHEREAS, CARITAS' recovery programs are the gold standard for supporting those battling substance use disorder and include residential recovery, workforce development, a transitional sober living community, and an active alumni association to support lifelong sobriety; and

WHEREAS, since CARITAS opened its residential recovery program The Healing Place in 2005, the organization has served more than 10,000 people in recovery; and

WHEREAS, nearly 70 percent of the alumni of the CARITAS recovery program have stayed sober after one year of completing the program, while 75 percent of participants find jobs within one month of completing the workforce development component of the program; and

WHEREAS, CARITAS opened a new center in South Richmond in 2020, bringing a number of the organization's various programs together under one roof, including multiple recovery programs and the Recovery Residences, which are safe and affordable apartments where residents may take time to heal, rebuild, save money, foster independence, and make plans for the future; and

WHEREAS, CARITAS understands that everyone's journey is different and that the path is never a straight line; in this spirit, its recovery programs do not have time constraints and alumni of its programs can come back as many times as necessary to be successful; and

WHEREAS, CARITAS and its Recovery Residences have become a model for creating a successful and thriving sober living environment; and

WHEREAS, through the years, CARITAS has grown to fill the gaps and support more people in the Greater Richmond region; and

WHEREAS, the accomplishments of CARITAS are the result of the tireless efforts of its dedicated staff, who facilitate more than 175,000 hours of recovery education each year and assist residents by providing resources to enhance their support networks, employment opportunities, self-awareness, and self-esteem; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend CARITAS on the occasion of its 20th anniversary for offering individuals hope for a brighter future and a roadmap toward stability and self-sufficiency; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to CARITAS as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's contributions to the Commonwealth.