Bill Text: IL HR0046 | 2013-2014 | 98th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Celebrates the 10th anniversary of Brookfield Zoo's Good Works Initiative.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Passed) 2013-02-05 - Resolution Adopted [HR0046 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2013-HR0046-Introduced.html

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HR0046 LRB098 08225 MST 38323 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, In 2002, the Chicago Zoological Society launched
the Good Works Initiative at Brookfield Zoo for local high
school students with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Zoo staff work with Good Works' students to
develop and fine-tune time management, communications, and
inter-personal skills so the students are better equipped to
find employment or volunteer opportunities after graduation;
and
WHEREAS, Good Works' participants come from 5 local high
schools: Lyons Township, Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, Oak
Park River Forest, and Riverside Brookfield and are at least 16
years of age; and
WHEREAS, Special education coordinators at the partner
schools recommend students for Good Works and assist the
students in completing and submitting adult volunteer
applications to the Chicago Zoological Society; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago Zoological Society also partners with
the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education on the
recruitment and placement of local high school students into
Good Works; and

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WHEREAS, Good Works' students volunteer at the Hamill
Family Play Zoo, an award-winning, nature-based, hands-on,
learning environment for children and families at Brookfield
Zoo; and
WHEREAS, Good Works' students assist Hamill Family Play Zoo
staff with activity preparation, help to create and maintain a
safe and welcoming environment for children and families, and
interact with guests; and
WHEREAS, The experience of many children and families at
the Hamill Family Play Zoo is enhanced because of the work that
Good Works' students do; and
WHEREAS, All throughout their Good Works experience,
students work closely with zoo staff and their school job
coaches on developing job and life skills with many
participants realizing noticeable growth in their social
skills and confidence levels; and
WHEREAS, Good Works' students work to overcome
developmental and social obstacles to competitive employment
in the community and receive intensive job support and
assistive job coaches at the zoo; and

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WHEREAS, Upon graduating from Good Works, many students go
on to find fulfilling volunteer opportunities or paid
employment at the zoo or in the community; and
WHEREAS, Through Good Works, individuals with
developmental disabilities are realizing greater independence,
enhanced quality of life, and increased confidence through
their participation in this Brookfield Zoo-based initiative;
and
WHEREAS, Through Good Works, awareness of roles within the
community for, and abilities of, individuals with
developmental disabilities is created and enhanced for guests
and staff at Brookfield Zoo, as well as members of the
surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, As Good Works completes its 10th year, it is an
opportune time for the Illinois House of Representatives to
recognize and highlight the Good Works' students, their job
coaches, and families, and Chicago Zoological Society staff who
work every day to enrich the lives of those with developmental
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, If the conservation movement is going to be
successful, it must be inclusive and inspire people from all
income levels, and communities, while speaking to and hearing

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from individuals with developmental disabilities; therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we celebrate the 10th year of the Good Works Initiative at
Brookfield Zoo and congratulate Good Works' participants and
graduates, and thank Good Works' supporters for their
commitment to enrich the lives of students with developmental
disabilities; and be it further
RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
provided to the Chicago Zoological Society to post at the
Hamill Family Play Zoo.