Senate Resolution No. 2089

BY: Senator AKSHAR

COMMENDING Nancy Johnson upon the occasion of her
retirement after 17 years of distinguished service
to the Binghamton YWCA on May 24, 2017

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
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
commend Nancy Johnson upon the occasion of her retirement after 17 years
of distinguished service to the Binghamton YWCA; and

WHEREAS, After 12 years of making a loving home for her family,
Nancy Johnson began working as an Outpatient Counselor in the substance
use disorder field for the Bradford County Drug and Alcohol Department
in Athens, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Nancy Johnson helped write a proposal for
the Evergreen Halfway House, the first licensed adolescent halfway house
in Canton, Pennsylvania; for three years, she held the position of
Clinical Supervisor; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Nancy Johnson also served as a Student
Assistant Counselor in numerous middle and high schools across Bradford
County; and

WHEREAS, Nancy Johnson then became a Clinical Supervisor at
Fairview's Addiction Crisis Center in 1999; one year later, she began
serving as the Residential Director of the Binghamton YWCA, a position
from which she will officially retire on May 24, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Nancy Johnson has been instrumental
in securing HUD funding for a transitional housing program (YWRAP), two
permanent supportive housing programs, and a Shelter Plus Care Program
at the YWCA; in addition, she managed the Emergency Housing Program with
a staff of 14 people; and

WHEREAS, Under her leadership, the Housing Program of the YWCA of
Binghamton was recognized as the 2009 Residence of the Year by the New
York State Supportive Housing Network; and

WHEREAS, Nancy Johnson has been a dedicated member of her community
for many years; she served as Chairperson of the Homeless Coalition of
the Southern Tier for 16 years, and has been a vital member of both the
Binghamton City Drug Treatment Court for 10 years, and the Broom County
Professional Advisory Board, PAG for 14 years; and

WHEREAS, As a representative of the YWCA, Nancy Johnson helped write
a proposal for the first pilot program in the State of New York to serve
and house opiate addicted mothers who have opiate addicted babies; and


WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to the
substance use disorder field, Nancy Johnson was the recipient of the
2016 Chemical Dependency Professional of the Year Award by Broome
County; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Art; their five
children, Douglas, Andrew, Christopher, Aric, and Laurie; and their four
grandchildren, Liam, Brody, Colby, and Owen, all of whom have shown her
love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 Nancy Johnson upon the occasion of her retirement after 17 years
of distinguished service to the Binghamton YWCA, and to wish her
continued success in all her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nancy Johnson.