LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Commis-
sion on Economic Opportunity on May 21, 2015

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 50th Anniversary of the Commission on Economic Opportunity, to
be celebrated at its Community Action Luncheon on Thursday, May 21,
2015, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) was formed in
1965 as a private non-profit Community Action Agency; today there are
over 1,100 Community Action Agencies across the country which were
created after Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act in
1964; and
WHEREAS, CEO's first initiative was Head Start, a federal program to
support school readiness in children from families in need; from there,
CEO opened a food pantry, launched its WIC program, and moved into hous-
ing services; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 1976, the Commission on Economic Opportunity
sponsored the Foster Grandparent program, which today serves nine coun-
ties and more than 100 seniors annually throughout eastern New York; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its five decades of service to the local communi-
ty, CEO has continued to grow, both in the number of people it serves
and the range of services it offers; this vital organization works with
thousands of people throughout the Capital Region; with more than 25
programs to meet the needs of its community, CEO is currently one of the
largest non-profits in the Capital Region, with over 250 employees; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, CEO creates partnerships and
develops opportunities for social and economic growth and empowerment in
individuals, families and communities through its five core areas:
Family and Education Support, Early Childhood Education, Employment and
Financial Education, Healthy Homes, and Health and Wellness; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Commission on Economic Opportunity is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its administration and staff, 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, 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 celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Commission on Economic Opportu-
nity on May 21, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Commission on Economic Opportunity, Troy, New York.