HR0046 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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

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

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 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.