SR0540 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0540 LRB103 34771 LAW 64621 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate Natalie Wellen on the occasion of her retirement as executive director of United Way South Central Illinois (UWSCI); and

WHEREAS, As executive director of UWSCI, Natalie Wellen oversaw the funding of 12 programs provided by 11 local partner agencies and was responsible for communities across nine counties, Washington, Marion, Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton, Wayne, White, Edwards, and Wabash; during the COVID-19 pandemic, she organized several food distributions to help others through difficult times; under her leadership, UWSCI has assisted 11 hospitals, 14 food pantries, and 15 local schools and provided utility assistance to six communities; and

WHEREAS, Natalie Wellen has belonged to a number of local organizations, including the Mt. Vernon Rotary Club, where she previously served as president, public relations director, and newsletter chair, and is a member of the Paul Harris Society; she has also served as a board member of Mt. Vernon Festivals, the promotions chair of Mt. Vernon Downtown Development, and the legislative director of the Mt. Vernon Business Women's Club; she has been a member of Giving Tuesday of Jefferson County and the community resource summit, and she was a founding member of the Women's Leadership Council; and

WHEREAS, Natalie Wellen has been recognized for her work and community involvement several times, including receiving the Outstanding Working Woman of Illinois Award by the Illinois Federation of Business Women's Clubs, Inc. and being named the 2021 Citizen of Year by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her career and community, Natalie Wellen has continually proven herself to be a strong leader who remains active in civic and community service programs, selflessly gives her time to volunteer, and works extremely hard to make Jefferson County a better place; and

WHEREAS, Natalie Wellen will next assume the role of executive director of Lifeboat Alliance Homeless Shelter in Mt. Vernon; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Natalie Wellen on her retirement from United Way South Central Illinois (UWSCI), and we wish her continued success in her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Natalie Wellen as an expression of our esteem and respect.