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2015 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 854
Commending Joanna Wise Barnes.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 20, 2015
Agreed to by the Senate, February 25, 2015

 

WHEREAS, Joanna Wise Barnes, a compassionate and passionate advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, retires from the Aging and Disability Services Division of the Arlington County Department of Human Services in 2015; and

WHEREAS, in 1973, after earning a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, Joanna Barnes began a long, fulfilling career of supporting people with disabilities and their families; she was hired by the Arlington County Department of Human Services in 1991; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Barnes has been an active and visionary leader in Arlington County’s Aging and Disability Services Division, which provides oversight and support for geriatric mental health and intellectual and developmental disabilities services and helps individuals choose the optimal supports to suit their needs; and

WHEREAS, collaborating with Arlington County Community Services Board’s (ACCSB) Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Committee and staff from local public schools, Joanna Barnes expanded educational outreach to more than 200 families in the area; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Barnes helped increase the number of residential and employment service providers available to local residents by building strong relationships with nonprofit organizations; she also supported efforts to locate community placements for residents of institutions; and

WHEREAS, facilitating communication between ACCSB members, local and state government, and private service providers, Joanna Barnes increased awareness of the Employment First Plan and services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Joanna Wise Barnes on the occasion of her retirement from the Aging and Disability Services Division of the Arlington County Department of Human Services; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Joanna Wise Barnes as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for her devoted service to members of the Arlington community in need.