Memorials, Recognition - Agape Child & Family Services, 55th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ron Gant

HJR 329 ceremonially recognizes Agape Child & Family Services for 55 years of service in Memphis across foster care, housing, counseling, and community supports.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Summary: House Joint Resolution 329 (HJR 329)

Overview

Bill type: Joint Resolution (memorial/recognition)

Sponsor: Rep. Gant

Subject: Memorials and recognition

Status: Signed by the Governor (effective upon signing)

Introduced: March 10, 2025

Active action: Ceremonial recognition of Agape Child & Family Services on its 55th anniversary

Purpose and intent

HJR 329 commemorates and honors Agape Child & Family Services for its 55 years of service to under-resourced populations in Memphis, highlighting the organization’s mission to improve quality of life through compassionate, community-based programs and services. The resolution serves to publicly acknowledge Agape's contributions and extend best wishes for its ongoing work.

Key provisions and emphasis

Narrative recital of Agape’s history and services:

Founded in 1970, rooted in principles of love and compassion
Grew from a staff of 2 to nearly 120 employees and about 2,000 volunteers
Affiliation with the Churches of Christ

Program areas highlighted:

Foster care and adoption services
Community-based wraparound services designed to remove barriers to access
School-based supports to reduce absenteeism and assist students in and out of the classroom
Workforce readiness programs to promote parent and adult self-sufficiency
Transitional housing and homeless-family services
Christ-centered counseling for individuals, couples, and families
Support for unplanned pregnancies and adoption-related services

Ceremonial language: The resolution “honors and congratulates” Agape and its staff and volunteers, expresses gratitude, and wishes continued success.

Affected parties

Primary beneficiaries: Agape Child & Family Services, its staff and volunteers

Community impact: Memphis residents and under-resourced populations who access Agape’s services

Broader audience: The general public and the state’s recognition of local nonprofit contributions

Procedural and timeline notes

House actions: Introduced March 10, 2025; adopted by the House with unanimous support (Ayes 90, Nays 0) on March 13, 2025

Senate actions: Sent to Senate; placed on consent calendar; Senate concurrence and final passage culminating in signing

Governor: Transmitted to the Governor March 25, 2025; signed March 26, 2025

Effect: Ceremonial recognition; no funding authorization or statutory changes

Significance

This joint resolution formally recognizes Agape’s 55-year legacy of service, elevating awareness of its contributions to foster care, adoption, counseling, housing, and community-based supports in Memphis. It provides a ceremonial toast to the organization’s ongoing mission and invites continued collaboration with the state and community partners.