HR1125

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HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
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    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
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Representatives are pleased to honor Henry W. Tews for his 
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devotion to helping men and women overcome substance abuse and 
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chemical dependence; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Henry Tews is an exceptional individual, a man 
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whose passion and vision have helped thousands of men and women 
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in DuPage County recovering from substance abuse and chemical 
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dependence rebuild their lives and return as productive members 
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of their communities; and

 
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    WHEREAS, A recovering alcoholic's last request in 1965 so 
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moved Mr. Tews that he spent the next twenty years working to 
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open the first comprehensive treatment center in DuPage County; 
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today, Serenity House serves a population that is often 
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overlooked, indigent men and women who are struggling with 
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addiction; 85% of the individuals entering into the programs of 
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Serenity House are homeless, unemployed, and without health 
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insurance; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Mr. Tews founded Serenity House in 1985, and the 
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organization has grown from a four-bed cottage to a nationally 
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recognized treatment facility serving hundreds of men and women 
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in extended residential care, independent living, and 
 


 






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outpatient programs; today, Serenity House is recognized as an 
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example of excellence in providing comprehensive substance 
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abuse treatment and responding to the complex needs of the men 
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and women in the programs; Serenity House still remains the 
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only facility of its kind located in DuPage County; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Some of Mr. Tews other accomplishments include: 
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President of the DuPage Prevention Partnership Board 
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(reelected six times), instructor at the College of DuPage 
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("Starting a Social Service Agency", "Spirituality in 
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Recovery"), member of the Catholic Charities Advisory Board, 
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United Way Ambassador of Mercy and Agency Board Trustee, and an 
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appointment to a Special Supreme Court Committee on the 
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Lawyer's Assistance Program; and

 
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    WHEREAS, He has also been the recipient of a multitude of 
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awards commending him for his contributions to the community, 
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including the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) 
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2005 Outstanding Community Leader, the DuPage County Citizen of 
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the Year, the United Way Most Valuable Ambassador, and a 
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Resolution of Commendation for National Recovery Month from 
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DuPage County; in addition he served as a facilitator for the 
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"Building Better Communities" conference in Washington, D.C.; 
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and
 
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    WHEREAS, An accomplished author, Mr. Tews recently 
 


 






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published the expanded edition of his popular book, Paint a 
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Little Square, an inspirational collection of short stories 
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that have touched the hearts of readers worldwide;

Mr. Tews 
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resides in Crest Hill, with his wife and golf partner, Diane; 
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therefore, be it

 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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honor Henry Tews for his dedication to the people of DuPage 
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County who need a friend in times of hardship; and be it 
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further

 
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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
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presented to Henry Tews as a symbol of our respect and esteem.