LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Gerard McCaffery upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy on May
10, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 individ-
uals 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
Gerard McCaffery upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition by the Sisters of Mercy to be celebrated at its 17th Annual Even-
ing of Mercy Gala on May 10, 2016, at The Yale Club of New York City;
and
WHEREAS, The Sisters of Mercy work passionately to eliminate poverty,
the widespread denial of human rights, the degradation of earth, the
increase in violence and racism, the continued oppression of women, the
abuse of children, the mistreatment of immigrants and the lack of soli-
darity among people and nations; and
WHEREAS, Gerard McCaffery began his long and distinguished career as a
houseparent in a group home for teenage boys called Walkabout; and
WHEREAS, Gerard McCaffery then furthered his education, earning his
master's degree in Business Administration from New York University
Stern School of Business in 1986; he then served as President/CEO of
Seamen's Society for Children and Families, a foster care agency based
on Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, Since 2006, Gerard McCaffery has held the position of
President/CEO of MercyFirst; founded in 1894, by the Sisters of Mercy,
MercyFirst has over 600 employees working in 16 locations in Brooklyn,
Queens, Nassau and Suffolk County; and
WHEREAS, Together, these programs serve over 3,000 children, youth and
families each year through preventive services, family foster care and
adoption services, group homes and mother-child residences, immigrant
youth programs, medical and mental health services, and specialized
residential treatment programs on their Syosset Campus; MercyFirst is
accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and is Sanctuary Certi-
fied; and
WHEREAS, Gerard McCaffery is a vital member of the Board of Directors
of the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies, a state-wide coali-
tion of child welfare and juvenile justice agencies in New York State;
in addition, he is a participant of the Collaborative for Children and
Families Board of Directors, a newly designated Children's Health Home
serving the New York City metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man also enjoys mentoring students who attend
the Center for Nonprofit Leaders at Fordham University; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Gerard McCaffery upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy on May 10, 2016; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gerard McCaffery.