HR1373 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1373 LRB096 23024 GRL 42561 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize Marilyn Flanagan, executive director of RRAF, Inc., in Lombard for her dedication to the continuation of the mission of RRAF; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Flanagan's career is highlighted by over 25 years of professional and managerial experience within the human services and computer fields with an education that includes a dual emphasis M.B.A.; she is particularly knowledgeable and skilled in Health Care Administration, Organizational Structuring, Non-Profit Management, Social Service Program Development, Non-Profit Reorganization, MIS Implementation, Construction Project Management, Accounting and Financial Management, Accessible Facilities Design, and Organizational Management; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Flanagan became executive director of RRAF in 1991; as executive director, she is responsible for all operational management, program development, and implementation of the operations of RRAF, a non-profit corporation that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, In her role as executive director of RRAF, Marilyn Flanagan assumed full Executive Director responsibilities in May of 1991 upon the death of RRAF's founder; at that time, RRAF's census totaled 7, the agency was renting a 700 square-foot classroom in an abandoned parochial school, and the agency budget was less than $100,000; in 1997, she successfully brought both the Community Integrated Living Arrangement and Developmental Training programs to 100% compliance; and

WHEREAS, As her role as executive director, Marilyn Flanagan negotiated and closed the acquisition of RRAF's permanent home by the purchase of 613 South Main Street in Lombard on January 5, 2001; she also coordinated the involvement of contracted and volunteer help for a total demolition and rebuilding of the interior of the building, bringing the building to a maximum capacity of 24 peers; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Flanagan has recently worked tirelessly to keep RRAF's financial picture strong, even while weathering the strains of a difficult State and nationwide economic crisis; as part of this situation, RRAF has been owed $80,000-$100,000 from the State of Illinois, yet has still been able to obtain grants and, with the help of fundraising efforts of the families served by RRAF, raise the annual amounts raised from less than $10,000 in 1995 to current levels around $30,000 per year; during this time, she has also worked to diligently to maintain community donor relationships, which has allowed ongoing annual support from many organizations; and

WHEREAS, As a result of the loss of income from the State of Illinois, Marilyn Flanagan has forgone her annual salary for the sake of the survival of RRAF; thanks in part to her efforts, RRAF has managed to stay in business to support the mission; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Flanagan serves as a model of commitment and dedication to her community and the people she serves in the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that recognize the exceptional character and leadership of Marilyn Flanagan in her role as director of RRAF and wish her continued success in her lifelong dedication to humanity; and be it further

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