1 Approved as to Form and Legality
DRAFT
City Attorney’s Office
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. _______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER TREVA REID
RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE LEND A HAND FOUNDATION AND THEIR IMPACTFUL LEGACY
OF SUPPORTING CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES IN THE EAST
BAY AREA
WHEREAS, for over two decades the Lend A Hand Foundation (LAHF) has trailblazed philanthropy in Oakland, uplifting our community through educational support, with financial and wellness resources, and cultural experiences; and
WHEREAS, the LAHF was birthed by two longtime friends: Ms. Dee Johnson and the late Miss Betty Cutrer. Shortly thereafter other people joined and held multiple roles to support this foundation. Many activities transpired to raise funds for families mostly out of the pockets of local leaders; and
WHEREAS, the LAHF’s mission to enhance the quality of life of low-income and at-risk children, youth, and families by offering resources not otherwise available including educational cultural social, and sporting activities as well as basic needs; and
WHEREAS, their vision is to see an abundance of children and youth and families have their needs met; and
WHEREAS, presently, the LAHF represents the commitment of its founders, Board of Directors, and volunteers , to help improve the lives of children, youth, and their families.
Beginning its mission in 1997, the LAHF has worked diligently as a team to make sure that they reach out to as many families as possible…”Lending A Hand Wherever We Can”; and
WHEREAS, the LAHF is widely known for providing low -income and at risk students with educational tools and basic needs during the year, serving a population that consists of the indigent community of Oakland; and
WHEREAS, their first program was the teen talk program which was later followed by a holiday celebration that included a backpack supply drive; and
WHEREAS, the first year of their backpack program, in 1999, the LAHF was able to support 200 student s. T o date the foundation has provided over 108,000 school supply kits to students and Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and throughout Alameda County; and
WHEREAS, the LAHF works closely with the OUSD, transitional housing facilities, and other partners and provides not only educational tools but food, clothing, and other essentials throughout the year to help families thrive; and
WHEREAS, the LAHF strives to ensure that all children and families have adequate housing food jobs and are treated with equity, equality and dignity; and
WHEREAS, the LAHF provides services to all regardless of race, color, creed, disability, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or religion. The LAHF has a lasting legacy of not turning away anyone who is in need of their services if it is within their power to assist them; and
WHEREAS, with Oaklanders being historically impacted by racial disparities, discriminatory laws, environmental pollution, and more, the support of the LAHF has been fundamental to many families’ survival; and
WHEREAS, through the LAHF’s programs, children, youth, and families are taught values that enhance character and foster healthy community ties and interpersonal relationships to strengthen families in how they support, communicate, and grow; and
WHEREAS, the LAHF teaches values that form habits of tradition like perseverance and resilience, shifting mindsets of what our youth see and believe about who they are and the paths they can pursue; and
WHEREAS, the LAHF and their partners' collective investment has lifted up Oakland’s families with the goal to increase access to educational programs, services, scholarships, and program partnerships to enhance their learning and connect to workforce training; and
WHEREAS, and to improve financial stability for parents and grandparents supporting their household, and to expand upon their communal cultural connections and experiences; and
WHEREAS, the LAHF has maintained a passionate commitment to combat ting the fury of hopelessness in the lives of Oakland’s youth and families. Showing up for 25 years with a deep investment of love, time and a treasure of supplies and services; meeting the needs of our village and helping equip our youth to rise and prosper as leaders; and
WHEREAS, guided by Ms. Dee Johnson, the LAHF has educated, empowered, and equipped our young scholars, paving a solid path for them to stay the course with academic excellence and stability; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the City o f Oakland does hereby commemorate the 25th Anniversary Of The Lend A Hand Foundation And Their Impactful Legacy Of Supporting Children, Youth, And Families In the East Bay Area
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, KALB, KAPLAN, REID, TAYLOR, THAO AND PRESIDENT
FORTUNATO BAS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of
the City of Oakland, California
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