Senate Resolution No. 4958

BY: Senator BONACIC

HONORING Dr. Dean Scher of Catholic Charities
Community Services of Orange and Sullivan upon the
occasion of his designation as an Advocate for
Justice by Legal Services of the Hudson Valley on
May 17, 2018

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those 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 individuals and 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 honor Dr. Dean
Scher of Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan
upon the occasion of his designation as an Advocate for Justice by Legal
Services of the Hudson Valley, to be celebrated at its 2nd Annual Orange
& Sullivan Partners in Justice Reception on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at
The Meadowbrook, New Windsor, New York; and

WHEREAS, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley's mission is to provide
free, high quality counsel in civil matters for poor and low-income
individuals and families who cannot afford to pay an attorney when their
basic human needs are at stake; and

WHEREAS, Catholic Charities provides essential homelessness
prevention services to residents of Orange and Sullivan Counties; its
CEO, Dr. Dean Scher is being honored with this auspicious award in
recognition of his ongoing partnership with Legal Services of the Hudson
Valley; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dean Scher has served as Catholic Charities top
executive since the agency's establishment more than a decade ago; and

WHEREAS, A psychologist specializing in the role trauma plays in
addiction, treatment, and recovery, Dr. Dean Scher has overseen Catholic
Charities expansion into Sullivan and Ulster, which more than doubled
the size of the agency and expanded its scope of services; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Dr. Dean Scher, Catholic
Charities serves the homeless, the hungry, the emotionally and
physically handicapped, as well as immigrants, and the marginalized and
vulnerable of Orange and Sullivan Counties; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization strives to be an integral part of
the human service and care delivery system in Orange and Sullivan
Counties, touching the lives of anyone in need of care, hope, and help;
last year, Catholic Charities served more than 42,000 individuals and
families, regardless of race, religion, or ability to pay; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2006 as an independent, not-for-profit human
service agency, Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and
Sullivan remains committed to building a compassionate and just society;
and

WHEREAS, Catholic Charities also provides anti-poverty assistance,
such as emergency food and shelter and case management, for those facing
eviction or struggling with issues of homelessness and hunger;
additional assistance is available through the Resource Exchange which
distributes donations of gently-used furniture, household items, and
other basic necessities of life to individuals and families coping with
challenges; and

WHEREAS, Over its illustrious history, Catholic Charities Community
Services of Orange and Sullivan has demonstrated continuous service to
the residents and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Catholic Charities Community Services of
Orange and Sullivan is in direct correlation to the efforts of Dr. Dean
Scher, 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
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, 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
honor Dr. Dean Scher of Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange
and Sullivan upon the occasion of his designation as an Advocate for
Justice by Legal Services of the Hudson Valley; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Dean Scher, CEO, Catholic Charities Community
Services of Orange and Sullivan.