A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE Cynthia Lara UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR HER thirty-four YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Cynthia Lara upon the occasion of her retirement from the South Carolina Department of Social Services; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Lara has faithfully served the people of South Carolina for thirty-four years, bringing dedication, leadership, and compassion to every role she has held within the Department of Social Services and related agencies; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Lara began her distinguished career in Foster Care and Child Protective Services (CPS) in 1989, providing vital support and advocacy for children and families; and

 

Whereas, she further strengthened child welfare services through her work with the Foster Care Review Board, ensuring accountability, stability, and the protection of vulnerable youth; and

 

Whereas, in 2001, Ms. Lara expanded her contributions through her service at the Department of Health and Human Services, enhancing statewide efforts to deliver childcare and other essential services; and

 

Whereas, in 2004, she returned to the Department of Social Services in the area of DSS Quality Contract, later advancing to become the Midlands Region supervisor/trainer for child care licensing where she shaped best practices, developed staff, and improved service delivery across the region; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Lara's versatility continued with significant contributions to support the operation of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) to help ensure families receive access to critical resources; and

 

Whereas, from 2008 to the present, Ms. Lara has served with distinction as the director of child care licensing within the Division of Early Care and Education, providing oversight, strengthening safety standards, and ensuring high-quality care environments for children throughout South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Lara is a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina, and her accomplishments have been supported and celebrated by her loving family, including her husband, her three sons, one daughter, one daughter-in-law, one granddaughter, two sisters, one brother, and other special family members; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Lara is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She has lived by culture and by merit over the years and continues to demonstrate her sisterly affection with service for all humanity; and

 

Whereas, her legacy is marked by integrity, compassion, professional excellence, mentorship, and a lasting impact on the Department of Social Services and the communities she served; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the passion and dedication that Ms. Lara has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Cynthia Lara upon the occasion of her retirement, commend her for her thirty-four years of dedicated service, and wish her much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Cynthia Lara.

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