HR1613 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1613 LRB095 23086 GRL 53681 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to extend their best wishes to the founders of Purpose Over Pain, an organization that was formed to work with the community in reducing firearm violence and working directly with victims of gun violence, for their Citizens Action Award from the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence; and

WHEREAS, In 2007, the parents of several young men and women who had been tragically killed due to gun violence came together and founded Purpose Over Pain; these individuals, Ron and Annette Holt, Pamela and Tom Bosley, Gloria and Jose Padron, Alice Norris, Denise Reed, and Willie Williams, are being honored for their dedication and purpose; and

WHEREAS, These parents have all paid the ultimate price, but have found support and strength from one another to share their experiences so that others will not have to go through the pain they have had to endure; and

WHEREAS, Over the last two years, the founders of Purpose Over Pain have become some of our state's strongest citizen advocates in the fight for stronger gun control laws; they have spoken to thousands of people across Illinois about the impact that gun violence has had on our communities, along with the personal impact upon their own lives; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Purpose Over Pain concentrates on a number of goals that will help in the fight to reduce gun violence; in addition to working for stronger laws and educating the public about the negative effects of gun violence, the founders are providing peer support to the parents of children who are killed or wounded by such acts; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the organization serves as a referral source to connect victim families with crisis support groups, therapy, and government assistance that is provided to families victimized by gun violence; in addition, these dedicated persons are working to address the needs of at-risk youth through programs that teach these young people to identify and avoid negative influences that could lead them to become involved with guns, averting senseless acts of violence; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we proudly recognize the strength and compassion each member has put forth in helping Illinois families, and we extend our congratulations to each for their efforts concerning gun violence control through Purpose Over Pain; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Ron and Annette Holt, Pamela and Tom Bosley, Gloria and Jose Padron, Alice Norris, Denise Reed, and Willie Williams, founders of Purpose Over Pain.