WHEREAS, In 1963, a group of courageous and committed families, concerned about the lack of community-based alternatives to placement in state institutions for their children with disabilities, joined together and formed the Lower Puget Sound Development Center; and
     WHEREAS, One year later, the Lower Puget Sound Development Center joined with three other local organizations and formed Morningside with the purpose of advancing the employment and self-sufficiency of persons with disabilities; and
     WHEREAS, Over fifty years Morningside's employment services have evolved - from assisting clients to produce arts and crafts, to providing business services to the public and private sector, and helping persons with disabilities secure and maintain employment - always with belief that work is important to a fulfilling life and that inclusiveness strengthens and enriches our communities; and
     WHEREAS, Morningside now reaches beyond the South Sound, serving hundreds of clients in five counties in Southwest Washington and the Olympic Peninsula, working to ensure that Washingtonians with disabilities are integrated into our communities, and giving them the opportunity for work and to contribute to our state; and
     WHEREAS, Morningside today has 85 employees whose goal remains the same as the goal of those who founded the organization - to provide innovative, caring, and successful employment services to persons with disabilities; and
     WHEREAS, Morningside has demonstrated success in partnering with businesses, school districts, and state and local government to create employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, as reflected by the best supported employment outcomes in the state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate congratulate Morningside, its employees, clients, and volunteers on the organization's fiftieth anniversary and its contributions to enriching the lives of persons with disabilities in Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Jim Larson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Morningside, and to Kris Tefft, Chair of the Morningside Board of Trustees.