LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of HeartShare
Human Services of New York on March 26, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 organiza-
tions 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 commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of HeartShare Human Services of New York
which was celebrated at its Spring Gala and Auction at the New York
Marriot Marquis, Manhattan, Wednesday, March 26, 2014; and
WHEREAS, In 1914, HeartShare of New York, then known as Catholic Guar-
dian Society of Brooklyn and Queens, first opened its doors to teenagers
making the difficult transition from orphanages and institutions to life
on their own; its members worked diligently to help former orphanage
residents find jobs and housing at a time when neither the law nor soci-
ety provided any assistance or protection; and
WHEREAS, As many such institutions were closing in the 1960s, HeartS-
hare Human Services adapted its approach and services offered in
response to these changes; it began certifying a network of individual
New York homes appropriate for each child needing foster care and/or
adoption services; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed program opened its first Family Service Center
in the 1970s to counsel and assist families in crisis, keeping them
united; in addition, they responded to the plight of children worldwide
by establishing a Refugee Assistance Program for unaccompanied immigrant
minors from Vietnam, Cambodia and Haiti; and
WHEREAS, HeartShare Human Services furthered its commitment to its
community by significantly expanding its services for those with devel-
opmental disabilities; the organization opened its first group home for
young men in 1977, followed by its initial First Step Early Childhood
Program for children ages two through five years; three years later it
began offering Respite/Recreation programs for children and adults; and
in 1988, it opened its first adult day treatment center, as well as its
first two supported apartments for those with higher functioning abili-
ties; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with its mission to serve and in response to the
growing AIDS epidemic, HeartShare Human Services initiated its Scattered
Site Housing Program and Case Management Programs to help people with
HIV/AIDS, in 1993; and
WHEREAS, That same year, this esteemed nonprofit began operating the
Beacon Program in Coney Island, which offers a safe and supervised envi-
ronment for after-school programs, along with adult services for the
community; it also formed a partnership with National Grid (then Brook-
lyn Union Gas) to administer the Neighborhood Heating Fund that provides
energy assistance to low-income households in Brooklyn, Queens and
Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, Upon entering the 21st Century, HeartShare Wellness, Ltd., an
affiliate program of HeartShare, opened in downtown Brooklyn to provide
holistic diagnostic, medical and well being health services for children
and adults with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, In order to meet the increasing need for services for chil-
dren and adults on the autism spectrum, The HeartShare School for chil-
dren ages 5-21 was opened in 2007, the first private school-age program
of its kind in Brooklyn; in addition, HeartShare Human Services opened

its Serving People with Autism Overnight Respite Program, an adult group
home, two residences for children and a second Partnering with Autistic
CiTizens adult day program; and
WHEREAS, Today, almost 29,000 children, adults and families rely on
HeartShare Human Services; a true cornerstone of the community; it
stands ready to continue its vital efforts of enhancing people's lives
for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of a century, HeartShare Human Services has
helped New Yorkers expand their opportunities and reach their fullest
potential; its network of quality service providers continues to embody
its mission to provide nurturing support, with dignity and respect, to
children, adults and families; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of HeartShare Human Services of New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to HeartShare Human Services of New York.