SENATE RESOLUTION

8615

BySenator Fortunato

WHEREAS, The Blessing Movement was founded in 2019 to foster and strengthen relationships between youth and senior citizens in the Sumner and Bonney Lake communities through service projects; and

WHEREAS, The Blessing Movement creates opportunities for High School students to volunteer their time to assist senior citizens, many with disabilities, on fixed incomes, veterans, or those facing terminal illness, especially in the form of yard up-keep who would otherwise be challenged by such maintenance, helping improve their quality of life and pride of ownership; and

WHEREAS, In 2022, The Blessing Movement established a community builder project with Sumner-Bonney Lake School District called "Students Helping Seniors," which gives school clubs the ability to adopt a home for one year to assist with yard care needs; and

WHEREAS, High school students who take part in The Blessing Movement have the opportunity to earn community service hours, a valuable component toward postsecondary education scholarships; and

WHEREAS, The Blessing Movement currently provides assistance to 24 homes within the community with a team of 20 adult volunteers, four community-based program interns, three Elhi Hill High School Program students, 40 Bonney Lake High school National Honor Society students, and 10 Key Club students; and

WHEREAS, The Blessing Movement strives to instill a strong work ethic, a sense of teamwork, and a lifelong compassion for others in the community's youth, with now over 6,000 hours of service to the community annually; and

WHEREAS, The Blessing Movement would not be successful without the generous donations and volunteers from the Sumner-Bonney Lake communities; and

WHEREAS, The intergenerational engagement fostered by The Blessing Movement is intended to also help both senior citizens and students alike to feel a sense of community and belonging;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize The Blessing Movement, it's founder Kerry LeBleu, and their efforts within the Sumner-Bonney Lake communities to support aging residents, improve quality of life, and empower youth to serve their communities.

I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8615,

adopted by the Senate

March 31, 2023

SARAH BANNISTER

Secretary of the Senate