ADOPTED 11/05/1998

RESOLUTION NO. R98-1317

A resolution recognizing Wanda Burkett Owens for her dedicated service to New Horizons Corporation and for her outstanding contributions to the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County.

WHEREAS, New Horizons Corporation is a non-profit agency founded in 1971 as a center for daytime activities and socialization for adults with mental retardation; and

WHEREAS, Wanda Burkett Owens, who retired from New Horizons Corporation in 1992 after 21 years of service, was the first executive director of the agency and, under the Board of Directors, developed the first programs for mentally retarded adults funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation division; and

WHEREAS, under Mrs. Owens’ leadership the agency thrived, as the range of programs grew from day services to employment services, and then to residential services, with a staff of two serving eight clients in 1971, to an annual budget of $2 million and 50 staff members serving 200 clients in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Owens has dedicated her life to serving in the field of mental retardation, and she has been a pioneer in developing programs to improve the lives of children and adults with mental retardation, touching the lives of hundreds of mentally retarded Tennesseans and their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, of Mrs. Owens’ four children, two were mentally retarded, and one of her two mentally retarded children died in 1973, further reinforcing her desire to do all she could for the plight of the mentally retarded; and

WHEREAS, because of Mrs. Owens’ hard work and committed efforts, New Horizons Corporation has been dedicated to serving the needs of mentally retarded adults through programs such as Work Center/Day Services, Community Employment Services, Residential Services, Supported Living Services, and Program Coordination Services; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize and honor Wanda Burkett Owens for her outstanding contributions to not only mentally retarded citizens, but to all citizens of Nashville and Davidson County.

 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

SECTION 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Mrs. Wanda Burkett Owens upon his retirement from service with the New Horizons Corporation and commending her for her outstanding contributions to the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County.

SECTION 2. The Metropolitan Council Staff is directed to prepare a certificate to be presented to Mrs. Wanda Burkett Owens.

SECTION 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored By: Vic Varallo

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	November 5, 1998
Adopted:	November 5, 1998
Approved:	November 6, 1998
By: