Senate Resolution No. 1068

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of The Fortune
Society on April 17, 2017

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those organizations within our midst who have
made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary organizations it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
50th Anniversary of The Fortune Society to be celebrated at its Spring
Benefit, Celebrating the Power of Theater and Media to Transform Lives,
on Monday, April 17, 2017, at City Winery, New York, New York; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1967, The Fortune Society's vision is to foster
a world where all who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated will
thrive as positive, contributing members of society through its
holistic, one-stop model of service provision; and

WHEREAS, With its continuum of care informed and implemented by
professionals with cultural backgrounds and life experiences similar to
those of its clients, The Fortune Society serves approximately 6,000
individuals annually via three New York City locations: a service center
in Long Island City, Queens, and both the Fortune Academy and Castle
Gardens in West Harlem; and

WHEREAS, The Fortune Society's Housing Program empowers homeless,
formerly incarcerated individuals and their families to build better
futures through stable and affordable housing; by providing
low-threshold access to supportive emergency, phased-permanent and
permanent housing, its Housing Program meets both the immediate and
long-term needs of its clients; and

WHEREAS, Participating clients are able to take the first steps on
their journeys towards becoming positive, self-sufficient members of
society with the full support of The Fortune Society's comprehensive
reentry service offering and culturally competent staff; and

WHEREAS, The Fortune Society's Employment Services program is
designed to equip formerly incarcerated jobseekers with the skills
necessary to obtain employment and thrive in the workplace; the program
offers a variety of services to help motivated jobseekers begin their
careers and seek professional advancement; and

WHEREAS, In addition, its two-week job readiness workshop teaches
clients how to network, excel in interviews, problem-solve, answer
difficult conviction questions, and create a professional resume and
cover letter; individuals completing the work-shop receive career

counseling, job placement assistance, and support with job retention;
and

WHEREAS, The Fortune Society also offers skills training which
provides industry recognized certifications in both the culinary arts
and green construction arenas; clients who complete the training receive
job placement and career advancement services; and

WHEREAS, In 2007, The Fortune Society launched the David Rothenberg
Center for Public Policy (DRCPP) in honor of its founder, a tireless
advocate for the rights and fair treatment of people with criminal
records; and

WHEREAS, While The Fortune Society has always engaged in advocacy
and community education, DRCPP resourced and ramped up its policy
development, advocacy, technical assistance, training, and community
education efforts; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 50 year history, The Fortune Society
has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities
which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of The Fortune Society is in direct correlation
to the efforts of its 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 community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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 Fortune Society on April 17,
2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Fortune Society.