WHEREAS, in 2014, Linden Resources, a nonprofit group in Arlington, celebrates 55 years of providing and expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, founded in 1959 by a group of local parents hoping to provide meaningful employment for children with disabilities, Linden Resources was originally funded by local civic groups, including the Civitan Club of Arlington, the Knights of the Round Table, and the Arlington Kiwanis Club, each of which continues to support the organization; and

WHEREAS, Linden Resources was created with a goal to serve 26 people with disabilities in its first year; by 2014, it had grown to become the largest employer of people with disabilities in Arlington County, employing or placing more than 400 people annually; and

WHEREAS, offering a wide variety of programs, Linden Resources has served nearly 200 wounded veterans through its Vets Ready2Work initiative, which offers professional development, transition assistance, and job placement, and has helped over 300 recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families find jobs and secure financial self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS, Linden Resources also operates three commercial operations programs, providing administrative and logistical support to 15 federal agencies, creating training and direct employment opportunities for more than 200 people; and

WHEREAS, Linden Resources will commemorate its 55th anniversary with its "History in the Making" celebration at the Fort Myer Officers' Club on September 23, 2014, with proceeds from the event benefiting veterans in the Vets Ready2Work initiative; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Linden Resources for its service to the community on the occasion of its 55th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Linden Resources as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities achieve professional and personal success.