House Resolution 114

A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING MAY 15, 2025, AS "MISSISSIPPI LIMITLESS DAY" TO RECOGNIZE AND ENCOURAGE SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION, AND TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF THE STATEWIDE SERVICE INITIATIVES PROVIDED THROUGH LIMITLESS.

WHEREAS, Limitless is a service initiative committed to supporting Mississippi's foster care and adoption systems by fostering meaningful connections, providing essential resources, and advocating for vulnerable youth across the state; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, approximately 4,000 children in Mississippi were in foster care, with only about 644 adopted annually, representing a significant population of students who too often go unseen and underserved; and

WHEREAS, Limitless is an official partner of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hinds County, through which it organizes resource drives that provide creative materials such as coloring books and art supplies, offering children in foster care constructive outlets to manage the emotional stress of courtroom visits and other transitional experiences; and

WHEREAS, Limitless plays a critical role in providing education focused on emotional intelligence and communication skills to help children in foster care and adoptive settings develop secure, healthy attachments within their new environments; and

WHEREAS, through strategic partnerships, community advocacy and public engagement, Limitless remains steadfast in its diligent commitment to expanding its reach across Mississippi to ensure that no foster care or adoptive child feels overlooked or unsupported; and

WHEREAS, there is currently no statewide day dedicated to recognizing, educating, and celebrating the experiences of children in foster care and adoption, nor the transformative work of organizations such as Limitless; and

WHEREAS, designating a day of recognition will not only raise awareness about the importance of foster care and adoption but will also inspire collective action and reinforce our state's commitment to building a supportive and inclusive environment for every child:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby acknowledge and recognize May 15, 2025, as "Mississippi Limitless Day" in the State of Mississippi to honor and uplift the voices of foster care and adoptive children and to recognize the vital efforts of Limitless in strengthening the fabric of our communities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all citizens of Mississippi are encouraged to observe this day with appropriate programs, activities and educational efforts to raise awareness and support for the needs and potential of children in foster care and adoption.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Limitless, CASA of Hinds County, the Department of Child Protection Services and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.