MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2010 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hewes, Burton, Butler, Carmichael, Dearing, Frazier, King, Lee (35th), Montgomery, Wilemon

Senate Resolution 13

A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE CIVIC AND CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MISSISSIPPI HOMEMAKER VOLUNTEERS, INC.

     WHEREAS, the mission of Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers, Inc., is to strengthen families through education and community involvement; and

     WHEREAS, Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers, Inc., is available to all counties in Mississippi, where there is an interest.  MHV membership is open to everyone,  MHV differs from most other volunteer organizations, in that it does not focus on one specific area, but is involved in many areas that are important to communities, our state and country.  MHV strives to make life better for all Mississippians; and

     WHEREAS, Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers, Inc., is over 2,000 members strong in Mississippi; MHV works in conjunction with the MSU Extension Service, which provides resources and MHV in turn provides those resources and programs to our communities throughout the state; and

     WHEREAS, members are encouraged to participate in educational programs designed to help them better care for their families and homes and to become more active members of the community.  Members then share these programs with other groups throughout the community; and

     WHEREAS, in 2009, Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers, Inc., members contributed over 6.5 Million Dollars in goods and services to our state; and

     WHEREAS, MHV projects include:

     ·  MHV Cookbook - over $20,000 of the profits were donated to the MSU Foundation for MHV scholarships for members, and family members of MHV members.  Also donated $20,000 to the Mississippi MD Association and to the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children;

     ·  4-H Donations - MHV supports 4-H and donates money each year for 4-H scholarships;

     ·  Scholarships - provides three scholarships annually;

     ·  Makes and donates items for the Wiser Women's and Infant's Hospital as well as the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital;

     ·  Personal care items are collected and donated to hospice patients, patients at the VA centers and our active duty military;

     ·  MHV supports our military and veterans in a number of ways; care packages, we have also collected items for "Take a Wounded Soldier to the Movies";

     ·  Blue Ribbon Campaign - distributes materials for Child Abuse Awareness Month;

     ·  Healthy Marriage Initiative - works with MSU Extension Service and the Department of Human Services to distribute materials and hold workshops for Healthy Marriage Week every February, the week prior to Valentine's Day;

     ·  Computer classes - MHV has sponsored computer classes, which are open to the public as well as MHV members.  Classes are taught by a Mississippi State (Ph.D.) instructor for a small fee;

     ·  International - making dresses and clothes for the children of Nicaragua (September of 2008 Nicaragua was devastated by Hurricane Felix); and

     WHEREAS, it is with pride that we note the selfless service of these Mississippi citizens who bring honor to their communities and to the State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend the civic and charitable contributions of Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers, Inc., and extend our best wishes to this dedicated group of volunteers in their future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Kaye Bales, State President of Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers, Inc., and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.