LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Orange AHRC upon the occasion of cele-
brating its 5th Annual Dream Catcher's Gala, and recognizing its distin-
guished honorees

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 commend
Orange AHRC upon the occasion of celebrating its 5th Annual Dream
Catcher's Gala, and recognizing its distinguished honorees; and
WHEREAS, This year's Dream Catcher's Gala will be celebrated on Thurs-
day, May 15, 2014, at Anthony's Pier 9 in New Windsor, New York; and
WHEREAS, Orange County AHRC's 60th Anniversary, the theme for which is
"Past, Present, and Future," will also be celebrated on this special
evening; and
WHEREAS, Orange AHRC will be honoring those employees, members of the
community, and people supported by the agency who have gained recogni-
tion through realizing their personal dreams and accomplishments; Eliza-
beth Avila-Brown is being honored as Dream Catcher; the Orange AHRC
Artists are being recognized as Dreamers; and 2 Alices Coffee Lounge in
Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, is being recognized as a Dream Maker; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1954, Orange AHRC provides services and housing to
children and adults with developmental disabilities including those with
autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectu-
al and learning disorders; its mission is to assist people with disabil-
ities in becoming respected and valued members of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Headquartered in Newburgh, New York, Orange AHRC is Orange
County's seventh-largest employer with multiple major sites in the
region; it operates 19 group homes in the area spanning from the Dela-
ware to the Hudson rivers; and
WHEREAS, In its work helping infants and children, this esteemed
organization provides evaluation, early intervention, daycare, and
preschool services; it offers special education from kindergarten to
high school, as well as school to work transition assistance; and
WHEREAS, Orange AHRC is focused on promoting community membership for
adults with disabilities in three major areas: employment, volunteerism,
and group affiliation; through active engagement in public life, the men
and women supported by the agency gain both respect and visibility; and
WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, Orange AHRC has,
over the past 60 years, demonstrated the value of helping people with
disabilities fulfill their potential and become vital members of their
communities; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
commend Orange AHRC upon the occasion of celebrating its 5th Annual
Dream Catcher's Gala, and recognizing its distinguished honorees; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Orange AHRC and the aforementioned honorees.