SALUTE TO RON BARBER OF THE PAUL SIMON JOBCORPS
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this legislative body to honor those distinguished individuals whose lifework and enlightened endeavors have served to enhance the quality of life for citizens of this city; and
WHEREAS, Ron Barber is an instructor for The Paul Simon Jobcorps, a free federal government-sponsored education and training program for young people at least 16 years of age that qualify as low income. It is commissioned with the daunting task of providing the all-around skills needed to succeed in a career and in life in order to earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, when Gateway to Learning Special Education and Training Center (GTL) asked for and received a substantial donation of paint from the Behr Processing Corp. to decorate their facility on North Lincoln Avenue, they needed the aid of more than their hard working community recruits, who were painting most of the facility, to paint their gymnasium with its walls extending 20 feet from floor to ceiling. The volunteers were simply not equipped to paint walls that high, nor the wide expanse of the ceiling over the vast basketball floor; and
WHEREAS, The Painter's District Council #14 recommended The Paul Simon Jobcorps and it was Ron Barber who stepped up to take on this enormous undertaking. He met with GTL's Executive Director to learn about GTL's clients and consumers whose developmental disabilities sometimes can be aggravated by disruptions in their routines. Ron Barber instructed his apprentices in handling their painting tasks with careful attention to the sensibilities of Gateway's special clients; and
WHEREAS, The student apprentice painters from The Paul Simon Jobcorps decorated the school with little to no disruption in the normal Gateway rhythms. As time passed, Gateway's staff as well as the students noted the many praiseworthy leadership traits and personal qualities Ron Barber possessed.
WHEREAS, Ron Barber teaches, mentors and counsels his students on a daily basis. Not only does he teach the mechanics of the trade, he also prepares his budding apprentices for life in the real world. His ability to recognize and respond to the needs of his apprentices is no less than remarkable. He instructs them in a well-founded, gentle, but firm, manner based on his knowledge of the working world and his life experiences. This approach allows them to understand and appreciate his counsel and instruction; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Ameya Pawar, Alderman of the 47th Ward, has apprised this august body of the noteworthy service of this outstanding mentor of youth; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this 31st Day of October, 2012 AD, do hereby salute Ron Barber for his extraordinary contribution toward providing youths with the practicable knowledge and skills needed to thrive in society and extend our sincerest wishes for continuing success with his vital mission.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Ron Barber and Gateway to Learning.