Whereas, People who are elderly or have disabilities have contributed to the general welfare of this county by helping to preserve customs, convictions, and traditions of many people from diverse backgrounds; and

Whereas, These residents are vital and integral members of our society and their wisdom and experience have enriched our lives; and

Whereas, Abuse of the elderly and people with disabilities in domestic and institutional settings is a wide-spread problem, affecting hundreds of thousands of people across the country; and

Whereas, In 2008, there were 92,966 reports of elderly and disabled persons being abused in Texas, of which 49,259 were confirmed; and

Whereas, Elder abuse is grossly underreported because the elderly who are being abused find it very difficult to tell anyone and are usually ashamed and sometimes afraid; and

Whereas, Elder abuse happens to men and women of all income levels, all cultural and ethnic groups, whether they are in good health or incapacitated in some way, in poor neighborhoods and in suburbia; and

Whereas, Many of the cases investigated by Adult Protective Services in Texas involve self-neglect and it is our duty as citizens to reach out to people in need;

Now, Therefore, We, The Live Oak County Court, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2009 to be:

“Elder Abuse Prevention Month”

In Live Oak County, and urge all citizens to work together to help reduce abuse and neglect of people who are elderly or have disabilities.

In witness whereof, hereunto signed officially and caused the Official Seal of Live Oak County to be affixed on this 24th Day of April 2009.