House Joint Resolution 714, sponsored by Powers, honors Jo Bruce on the occasion of her retirement after an impressive thirty-one years as the Director of the Oak Ridge Schools Family Resource Center. Established in 1993 as one of Tennessee's original Family Resource Centers, Ms. Bruce has dedicated her career to helping families and children access vital resources. Her extensive background includes work with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, where she managed foster care and adoption services, as well as experience in education as a preschool teacher and parent educator. She has also been a prominent advocate for school safety and trauma recovery, contributing to the SAVE Act and presenting on these issues at various levels.

In addition to her professional achievements, Jo Bruce has been actively involved in her community, serving on numerous nonprofit boards and receiving multiple awards for her contributions. A native of Tennessee, she graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and has a rich personal history, including a marriage that took her family around the world due to her husband's military career. Now residing in LaFollette, she remains engaged in her church and community activities. The resolution expresses heartfelt wishes for her happiness and success in retirement, recognizing her professionalism, integrity, and the respect she has earned throughout her career.