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2022 SPECIAL SESSION I

22208401D
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 677
Offered September 1, 2022
Commending Cyndi Richardson.
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Patron-- Deeds
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WHEREAS, Cyndi Richardson, an accomplished peer support specialist at On Our Own, a peer recovery and support center in Charlottesville, was awarded the Dr. Fred Frese People with Mental Illness Lived Experience of the Year Award by Crisis Intervention Team International at the organization’s annual conference in August 2022; and

WHEREAS, Cyndi Richardson was the recipient of this notable honor as a result of her active involvement on the community program level with Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) International, an organization dedicated to fostering community partnerships between law enforcement, mental health and addiction professionals, individuals who live with mental illness or addiction disorders and their families, and other advocates; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the community at On Our Own, Cyndi Richardson has helped an untold number of individuals access the resources and support they need on their paths to recovery from mental health challenges and substance abuse; and

WHEREAS, Cyndi Richardson has effectively cultivated relationships with both clients and fellow CIT officers that have been integral to her success as a peer recovery specialist; and

WHEREAS, Cyndi Richardson is admired by many for her calm and confident demeanor, which enhances her ability to put distressed individuals at ease and to de-escalate difficult and chaotic situations; and

WHEREAS, Cyndi Richardson has often promoted the efforts and accomplishments of CIT International at local, state, and regional conferences and other events, increasing awareness of the organization’s impact in the community; and

WHEREAS, Cyndi Richardson’s deep knowledge of both CIT training and the criminal justice system have bolstered her work as a leader and advocate in the movement to address mental health and substance abuse issues; and

WHEREAS, a longtime resident of Charlottesville who is well-known and respected throughout the community, Cyndi Richardson has encouraged many suffering from mental health or substance abuse disorders to seek assistance from CIT International or other programs, shaping countless lives in positive and lasting ways; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Cyndi Richardson hereby be commended for being awarded the 2022 Dr. Fred Frese People with Mental Illness Lived Experience of the Year Award by Crisis Intervention Team International; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Cyndi Richardson as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s admiration for her contributions to the Commonwealth.