HR0598 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0598 LRB100 14171 ALS 28929 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Tammy Iskarous on her accomplishments as executive director at Riverbend Family Ministries; and

WHEREAS, Tammy Iskarous had a vision to serve families in the Riverbend area who were affected by crisis from violence, homelessness, addiction or poverty; she opened Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM) in Woodriver on August 7, 2007; she helped link people to substance abuse treatment, housing, medical help, and rental assistance; in its first year, RFM served 51 families; and

WHEREAS, Tammy Iskarous worked tirelessly to implement a grassroots program called Refuge, which provides free trauma counseling for children exposed to abuse, neglect, and other forms of adverse trauma; RFM also teaches anger management and parenting classes; and

WHEREAS, Today, RFM provides services to everyone living in Madison County; in 2016, more than 1,700 local families were helped; currently, the mid-year report shows more than 950 families have received help; and

WHEREAS, Tammy Iskarous volunteers the equivalent of a full-time work schedule; she works without pay and has faith and hope for everyone with whom she comes in contact; and

WHEREAS, Tammy Iskarous is active in her church; she hosts small groups at her home and serves the local community; her positive attitude and her love for her family and community are contagious; everyone who meets Tammy leaves her presence wanting to be a better person; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Tammy Iskarous and her dedication to helping those in crisis; and be it further

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