LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Elaina F. Marra upon the occasion of her
retirement from the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Elaina F.
Marra upon the occasion of her retirement from the Victims Assistance
Center of Jefferson County; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, Elaina F. Marra joined what was then known as the
Jefferson County Women's Center as Executive Director after serving as a
school caseworker, psychiatric day treatment caseworker, and vocational
rehabilitation counselor at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center; and
WHEREAS, Under her exemplary leadership, a comprehensive victims
assistance program was established, providing residential and non-resi-
dential direct services to both victims and survivors of violence in
Jefferson County; and
WHEREAS, Elaina F. Marra collaborated with local criminal justice and
justice leaders to open satellite offices in the Jefferson County
District Attorney's Office and the Jefferson County Court Complex, thus
expanding much needed services for victims of violence; and
WHEREAS, In addition, by working with the Jefferson County District
Attorney, local law enforcement, the probation department and Fort Drum
emergency services, Elaina F. Marra established the Immediate Response
Team Program, an effort which pairs Victims Assistance Center advocates
with law enforcement officers at incidents of domestic violence and
sexual assault; and
WHEREAS, Working with the community, Elaina F. Marra initiated the
Child Advocacy Center in 2006, and more recently, in 2013, she oversaw
the development and building of a new shelter for victims of domestic
violence and homelessness; and
WHEREAS, As a result of Elaina F. Marra's leadership and passion for
helping others, the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County has
come to be known as an important part of the North Country, serving
countless people annually through a variety of services and providing
employees as well as volunteers an opportunity to make a difference in
the lives of others; and
WHEREAS, With a passion for serving others for nearly two decades,
Elaina F. Marra puts serving others above all else, making a significant
impact in the lives of countless victims of violence in the North Coun-
try; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Elaina F. Marra upon the occasion of her retirement from the
Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Elaina F. Marra.