HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 457 Offered March 3, 2006 Commending Mattie Palmore on being named a national finalist for "Project Confidence." ---------- Patrons-- Amundson, Albo, Englin and Sickles; Senators: Puller and Ticer ----------

WHEREAS, Mattie Palmore, from the Gum Springs area of Alexandria, was one of five finalists in "Project Confidence," a nationwide contest sponsored by Curvation that honors women who  make contributions to their local communities by building women’s self confidence and esteem, and she certainly fulfills the criteria; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Palmore was nominated for her work as an advocate for abused and neglected women and is the embodiment of success, having overcome physical and sexual abuse, homelessness, and living on welfare; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Palmore runs a support group for victims of sexual, physical, and mental abuse and the group embraces women who are survivors of rape, molestation, or incest, and includes single mothers, working mothers, corporate executives, women in shelters, the formerly incarcerated, and women who are on parole or probation from the courts; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Palmore inspires and offers women hope and the realization that they have the power to make positive changes and have control over their lives; she sponsored a day of pampering for women in her support group to increase self-esteem called "I Love Myself—I Think I Am Grand Day"; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Palmore is also a magistrate for the Commonwealth and is a dedicated volunteer at  Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, Inc., where she helps facilitate mandatory programs for homeless individuals seeking housing, jobs, or vocational training; and

WHEREAS, Queen Latifah, as well as leaders of top women's organizations including representatives from the YWCA USA and Dress For Success, were present to congratulate Mattie at the awards luncheon she attended in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Palmore is a worthy finalist for the "Project Confidence" award and her volunteer work has greatly assisted many Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Mattie Palmore on being a finalist for "Project Confidence"; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Mattie Palmore as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her achievements.