2024 -- H 8308

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

WELCOMING BOYS TOWN NEW ENGLAND TO THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE

ON MAY 23, 2024, AND THANKING THEM FOR ALL THE GOOD WORK THEY DO FOR

CHILDREN AND FOR HEALING AND BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Cortvriend, Shekarchi, Blazejewski,
Chippendale, Noret, J. Brien, Kennedy, Ajello, and Fogarty

     Date Introduced: May 23, 2024

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Boys Town was originally founded in 1917 by Father Edward Flanagan, a

Catholic priest from Ireland who was a social reformer and recognized a great need for the

creation of an organization that would speak out and advocate on behalf of children’s rights and

needs, and create a safe place in which children from troubled homes would find a loving and

nurturing environment in which to recover and eventually thrive despite their difficult

circumstances; and

     WHEREAS, Boys Town opened in 1917 with 100 boys under their care and quickly

grew to become nationally acclaimed with numerous positive media stories in newspapers and

magazines highlighting the effective methods and the positive impact it was making in the lives

of these at-risk-boys. This attention culminated in 1938 with the blockbuster release of the movie

“Boys Town” starring Spencer Tracy as Father Flanagan and Mickey Rooney as a troubled

youngster. Boys Town was the highest grossing film of 1938; and

     WHEREAS, For over three decades, Boys Town New England has been a steadfast

beacon of hope for children and families throughout Rhode Island. In the past year alone, its

profound impact reached over 20,000 individuals, touching lives with a comprehensive array of

services. From its nurturing residential campus in Portsmouth, to its initiatives in Foster Care and

community-based programs across the state, Boys Town New England has made a significant

mark in our communities, with a notable focus on educational empowerment in Pawtucket, all

guided by the innovative Boys Town Education Model; and

     WHEREAS, This dynamic intervention strategy is deeply rooted in shaping behavior,

cultivating meaningful connections, and instilling social skills, all aimed at uplifting communities

and creating enduring change. Emphasizing a proactive and preventive approach, the Boys Town

Education Model prioritizes building a supportive environment that nurtures holistic student

development and long-term success; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, Charity Navigator, a highly respected charity rating system, has

awarded Boys Town its highest rating for the reputable and fiscally sound way it manages its

finances; and

     WHEREAS, At its core, Boys Town model of care embodies behavioral interventions,

equipping children and families with the tools to access resources and empower themselves for a

brighter future. Through these efforts, Boys Town New England continues to inspire and uplift,

leaving a legacy of positive transformation in its wake; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

welcomes Boys Town New England to the Rhode Island State House on May 23, 2024, and

thanks them for all of the good work they do on a daily basis to help children and bring families

together; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Sarah Galvin, President and Executive

Director of Boys Town New England.

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