LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the
Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency

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 that are devoted 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 50th Anniversary of the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency;
and
WHEREAS, In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson and the United States
Congress enacted into law the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) and the
"War on Poverty" was declared; and
WHEREAS, The Act established the Office of Economic Opportunity, which
was part of the executive branch of government and reported directly to
the President; within the next two years, more than 1,600 community
action programs opened throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, The Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency (CSCAA) was estab-
lished in 1965 to fight the war against poverty locally; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Cayuga/Seneca Community
Action Agency respectfully assists people to achieve and sustain self-
sufficiency through direct services, education and community partner-
ships; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, over the past 50 years, the agency has gained a
positive reputation throughout the local community for advocating the
rights of economically challenged families and individuals as well as
changing society's stereotypes regarding poverty; and
WHEREAS, Workforce development is deeply rooted in the agency's anti-
poverty culture; on July 9, 1969, the "Open Door Training Employment
Program" was created, the premise of which was to supply local busi-
nesses with qualified, reliable employees from among the county's pool
of unemployed and underemployed population; and
WHEREAS, Over the last half a century, the Cayuga/Seneca Community
Action Agency has grown from an operating committee with no paid staff
and limited scope of service to the organization it is today, adminis-
tering more than a dozen anti-poverty and self-sufficiency programs in
two counties with over 120 staff and 550 avid volunteers; and
WHEREAS, The Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency remains resilient
in its response to the fluctuating community needs among shifting soci-
o-economic and political landscapes; its vital programs connect people
in poverty to gainful employment opportunities, enabling them to achieve
economic security; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency is
in direct correlation to the efforts of its 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 commu-
nity it serves; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Cayuga/Seneca
Community Action Agency; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action
Agency; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency.