Recognizing the 16th Annual "My City, My Place," Brighter Futures Awards Event sponsored by the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services, on Thursday, November 1, 2007.

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia will participate in the 16th Annual

“My City, My Place”

Brighter Futures Awards Event on Thursday, November 1, 2007; and

WHEREAS, The event pays tribute to citizens in Philadelphia for providing individuals living with mental retardation the opportunity to experience community inclusion, thus helping them lead an "everyday life" in the community; and

WHEREAS, The event recognizes honorees and their work with citizens who live with mental retardation; and

WHEREAS, The honorees include: direct support professionals and employment specialists in mental retardation services, Civil Rights advocates, a teenager who uses assistive technology to communicate, an independent supports broker, and a young man who receives supports and services; and

WHEREAS, The celebration highlights the outstanding work of the Public Awareness Committee of Mental Retardation Services, the committee responsible for: The Inclusion Works! Arts Contest for Philadelphia Public School Children, The Points of Transformation Awards for Direct Support Professionals, and the Family Forum Magazine; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Public Awareness Committee consist of: citizens receiving services and supports, family members, service providers, advocates and other stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, These civic leaders are dedicated to their campaign, “

It's all about community”

a mission promoting inclusion of people with mental retardation in the everyday life of the community; now, therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby commend this year’s “Brighter Futures” family of awardees, as we extend our best wishes, and the respect and admiration of this legislative body to the honorees, and the members of the Public Awareness Committee.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the members from the Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End