Senate Resolution No. 1250

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Fernande Valme Ministries, Inc. upon
the occasion of hosting its 8th Annual Gala on March
25, 2017

WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and
organizations to be recognized for the significance of their
contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills
necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Fernande
Valme Ministries, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 8th Annual Gala
celebrated on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the Grand Prospect Hall,
Brooklyn, New York; the theme of this year's celebration is "On the Road
to Glory"; and

WHEREAS, Fernande Valme was born on July 23, 1924, in Leogane,
Haiti, a small village outside the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince;
throughout her childhood, she was committed to the Episcopal Church in
her village, and worked as a volunteer in her community traveling with
her church pastor to visit the sick; and

WHEREAS, As a young woman, Fernande Valme possessed a strong passion
for helping people; she managed the choir of the First Baptist Church of
Port-au-Prince for 29 years, and held group prayer sessions in her own
home; and

WHEREAS, Over time, these prayer sessions evolved into Fernande
Valme's home becoming a full-fledged house of prayer renowned for
helping those in need of spiritual healing; and

WHEREAS, In 1971, Fernande Valme moved to East Flatbush, Brooklyn,
and again started small prayer sessions out of her own home; these
prayer sessions have since expanded to become Fernande Valme Ministries
and are now based at the Fernande Valme Community Center in Brooklyn;
and

WHEREAS, The late Fernande Valme's philanthropy, strong faith,
integrity, and love have helped many people over many decades and her
memory continues to endure; and

WHEREAS, Today, Fernande Valme Ministries, under the luminous
leadership of President Rode Valme, remains dedicated to continuing the
vision of its founder; this vital organization has been dedicated to
helping the residents of Fernande Valme's hometown of Leogane for many
years; and

WHEREAS, Fernande Valme Ministries has accomplished many goals in
Leogane including the completion of an Urgent Care Center, a primary and
secondary school, and a temple of prayer, as well as the implementation
of a jobs training program; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 Fernande Valme Ministries, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its
8th Annual Gala on March 25, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rode Valme, President, Fernande Valme Ministries, Inc.