SJ0044 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0044 LRB101 12567 ALS 60967 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to those individuals who have contributed to the success of their community and the State; and

WHEREAS, Ira Collins began his career as an entry-level hospital attendant in Nevada, Missouri; during his first five years, he worked as a direct care worker and activity therapy aide for people with mental illnesses; in 1964, his career emphasis expanded when he was assigned the responsibility for directing all programs and services for individuals who lived at the three Missouri state schools and hospitals for people with intellectual disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Ira Collins served as Director of Special Olympics for the state of Missouri in 1969 and 1970; he was recruited by the State of Illinois to serve as State program coordinator for individuals with developmental disabilities in 1970; his accomplishments as the State program coordinator were recognized by Governor Ogilvie with a Superior Achievement Award in 1971; he was named director of the Kankakee State Hospital in 1974 and was assigned the task of converting the hospital from a center that simply warehoused those with mental illness to one which worked to improve the lives of those with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, After the successful conversion of the facility, Ira Collins served as the Director of the Shapiro Center for 45 years; he maintained an excellent reputation for the provision of superior services, and the Center has not only been recognized as the best State operated center in Illinois, but it has also been recognized as one of the best in the United States; and

WHEREAS, While serving as Director of the Shapiro Center, Ira Collins frequently served in dual roles, including as Facility Director of the Howe Developmental Center, as Regional Director, and more recently, as Facility Director of the Lincoln Developmental Center; from 1987 until 1991, he served as the Deputy Director of the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Ira Collins has a Bachelor of Science in Human Relations and Psychology and a Master of Science in Special Education and Administration and is an Illinois Licensed Nursing Home Administrator; he and his wife have four sons, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the Shapiro Development Center at 100 E. Jeffery Street, Kankakee, Illinois as the Ira Collins Shapiro Development Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department of Human Services is requested to erect, at suitable locations, appropriate plaques or signage giving notice of the name "Ira Collins Shapiro Development Center"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend Ira Collins on his distinguished career and his lifelong dedication to the people of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Director of the Department of Human Services and Ira Collins.