Assembly Resolution No. 609

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

COMMEMORATING the 135th Anniversary of the YWCA of
NorthEastern NY

WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon individuals and
organizations to be recognized for the significance of their
contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills
necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 135th Anniversary of the YWCA of NorthEastern NY in
Schenectady, New York; and

WHEREAS, Since its beginnings in 1888, the YWCA of NorthEastern NY
has been a constant innovator in providing programs and services to meet
the changing needs of the community; and

WHEREAS, A charter member of YWCA USA, the oldest and largest
women's membership organization, the YWCA of NorthEastern NY works
tirelessly to eliminate racism and empower women by offering
comprehensive domestic violence services and safe shelter; affordable
housing and housing services; early learning curriculum; counseling;
advocacy; and more; and

WHEREAS, Renowned for its domestic violence programs, the YWCA of
NorthEastern NY is the only licensed domestic violence shelter in
Schenectady County and provides a secure place for victims and their
children that is staffed 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year; and

WHEREAS, The YWCA of NorthEastern NY also provides free and
confidential individual and group counseling to victims of domestic
violence, as well as economic empowerment, assisting women in obtaining
employment, education, and financial stability, and providing life
skills counseling, employment exploration, communication techniques, and
stress and time management; and

WHEREAS, In addition, its Domestic Violence Holiday Assistance
program provides women, men and children with gifts, wrapping paper, and
household items which were generously donated from community members and
organizations; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital organization has a 24-hour
emergency victim hotline, and its advocates are located at Schenectady
Police station, Family Court, and Child Protective Services; and

WHEREAS, The YWCA of NorthEastern NY's housing program provides safe
housing and services for homeless and/or low-income women; support

services for the women include advocacy, counseling, support groups,
information and referrals, health and recreation opportunities, and an
emergency food pantry and clothing closet; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to local youth,
the YWCA of NorthEastern NY has two early childhood learning centers,
both of which are licensed and accredited, and offer full-day early
learning care, including developmentally appropriate curriculum for
children from six weeks to five years old; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 135-year history, the YWCA of
NorthEastern NY has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the YWCA of NorthEastern NY is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated staff and volunteers, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 135th Anniversary of the YWCA of NorthEastern NY; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the YWCA of NorthEastern NY.