Title
To honor and recognize the contributions of Esther Simmons in bettering the lives of disabled residents in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, Esther Simmons began her work with disabled citizens in the City of Columbus in 1969 at the Columbus Developmental Center; and
WHEREAS, Esther Simmons also served the City of Columbus by being the sole proprietor of a home for disabled residents from 1979 to 1994; and
WHEREAS, In 1994, Esther Simmons, along with her daughter, Gwen Fells, established a 501(c)(3) organization, Jireh Services, Inc. to better meet the needs of the residents of the City of Columbus and Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, Esther Simmons has been a mentor, mother, and grandmother to hundreds of individuals in the City of Columbus and elsewhere; and
WHEREAS, Esther Simmons has employed many disadvantaged individuals in her quest to provide opportunities to single mothers and college-aged students looking to get work experience; and
WHEREAS, Esther Simmons and her husband, Julian Simmons, have served as foster parents for kids within the Franklin County Children Services system; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That we do hereby honor and recognize the contributions of Esther Simmons; mentor, mother, and grandmother to hundreds of individuals in the City of Columbus and elsewhere.