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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING VICKIE SMITH FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Vickie Smith is the Executive Director of Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV), an organization she served since 1988; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Smith began her work in the battered women’s movement over 35 years ago by providing direct services to survivors of domestic violence and helped open a non-residential crisis intervention program, first serving on the Board of Directors and then serving as the first non-paid director; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure at ICADV, Ms. Smith gained extensive experience working with local domestic violence programs throughout Illinois, providing technical assistance on a variety of issues agencies were facing; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Smith worked with the state legislatures as well as several state agencies in developing laws and procedures to further the state’s response to domestic violence. She also participated in a number of collaborative efforts that developed protocols and curricula to benefit battered women and their children in Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Smith has done work in the battered women’s movement on a national level including being a founding Board Member of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, a national advocacy agency located in Washington D.C.; and
WHEREAS, During the development of the National Network, Ms. Smith worked with other state and national advocates on drafting the historic 1994 Violence Against Women Act, which has had a significant impact on services for battered women; and
WHEREAS, In May, 1999 she relocated to Texas where she joined the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence and participated in technical assistance and training all over the United States; and
WHEREAS, Vickie Smith is a true beacon of hope as a champion for Domestic Violence victims and survivors she has served for over 35 years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Board of Commissioners, and on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County do hereby congratulate Ms. Vickie Smith on the occasion of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and for the important and commendable service and leadership she provides.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this resolution be spread upon the official proceeding of this Honorable Body and a ceremonial copy be given to Vickie Smith in commemoration of this auspicious occasion.
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