House Concurrent Resolution 31

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING NINA REDDING UPON HER RETIREMENT AND FOR HER DEDICATED SERVICES RENDERED TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.

WHEREAS, Nina Redding, fifteen-year Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Jackson, Mississippi, retired December 31, 2004; and

WHEREAS, as a young girl growing up in North Mississippi, Ms. Redding often wondered about the quality of life in the little wooden shacks along the road as she stared out of the car window while her father, a Methodist minister, visited family and friends; and

WHEREAS, decades later, after being introduced to the program by a fellow member of her church, she found herself assisting families surrounded by decaying shotgun shacks in Jackson's inner-city neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, as a volunteer, Ms. Redding, with dedication and enthusiasm, became Habitat's first salaried director; and

WHEREAS, under her leadership and dedication, Jackson's branch of Habitat for Humanity ranks 16th in the nation for total houses built, out of more than 1,600 Habitat affiliates; and

WHEREAS, having grown into the job, Ms. Redding now speaks the language of the contractor and leaves behind a legacy of blessing to those who are less fortunate than so many others and shares the Christian gift of love; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize such unselfish acts as those rendered by Nina Redding, whose commitment to making Jackson a more habitable city for so many in need, sets the benchmark of excellence, which epitomizes the values of Christianity:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ms. Nina Redding upon her retirement as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity after fifteen years of diligent and dedicated service and extend our heartiest wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Nina Redding and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.