Introduced By: Representatives Voccola, Cambio and Russo
Date Introduced : April 21, 1998
Referred To: Read and Passed
WHEREAS, Mrs. Diane Ponticelli, age 79, has been a licensed foster parent for the Department of Children, Youth and Families for 34 years, providing a home for hundreds of children who have passed through her door. She has given quality care and provided them with structure stability, consistency and a sense of family. In addition, she has been supportive with recreational and employment opportunities and given them the security needed in which to grow and develop into young adults; and
WHEREAS, Diane has been a foster mother to over 1,000 boys during her tenure; many of whom still call her and visit. At the present time, she cares for a special needs adult spastic quadriplegic, age 34, who has lived with her since infancy. A testament to her tenacity, love and devotion,; they remain inseparable; and
WHEREAS, Diane's brand of care includes flexibility, special acceptance of the problems the children face and providing good food, clothing and her "combination of tough talk and loving action." She has long epitomized what foster parenting is all about; accepting the challenge and enjoying the reward; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby honors Diane Ponticelli on her many years of selfless dedication and sincere devotion to the hundreds of children she has cared for. She is an inspiration to us all; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Diane Ponticelli.
