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WHEREAS, in 1992, Gloria Luten, a social worker for The Salvation Army Headquarters in Pittsburgh, traveled during the Christmas season to register families in need of Christmas assistance; and
WHEREAS, during the needs assessments process, she discovered that many of the heads-of-household were grandparents and a number of other homes had a grandparent living within to help take care of their grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Gloria witnessed a population of people who expressed the needs and concerns of raising their grandchildren, which included food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Gloria brought this issue to the attention of the Salvation Army Headquarters Social Service Department and the foundation for a grandparent support group was formed; and
WHEREAS, The first official meeting of "The God-Sent Grandparent's Support Group" was held April 8, 1993 at the Ammons Recreation Center in Pittsburgh's Hill District; and
WHEREAS, after moving the meetings to several different locations, the group found a permanent home at The Salvation Army. Under Director Frances Lewis, this support group has blossomed into a spiritually focused support system that benefits the whole family by making care-giving a little easier for the care-giver; and
WHEREAS, on Friday, April 30, 2004, the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Divisional Headquarters will celebrate the Eleventh Anniversary of the "God-Sent Grandparent's Support Group".
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh commends The Salvation Army and The God-Sent Grandparent's Support Group for their work and support of Grandparents in their efforts of trying to raise healthy families.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that April 30, 2004 be hereby declared "The God-Sent Grandparent's Support Group Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.