Senator Serrano Honors the life of East Harlem Community Advocate Yolanda Sanchez with Legislative Resolution

(New York, NY)- A Senate Resolution sponsored by State Senator Jose M. Serrano (D-Manhattan/Bronx), honoring the life and accomplishments of long-time East Harlem community advocate, Yolanda Sanchez, passed the New York State Senate today.

"Last week, East Harlem experienced a huge loss in the passing of Yolanda Sanchez," said Senator Serrano. "Yolanda was a true pioneer in the Puerto Rican Community, and served as not only an example, but as an inspiration to everyone with whom she came in contact. Her commitment to service is what led many of our current generation of Latino leaders to get involved in social and public service."

Ms. Sanchez was a graduate of The City College of New York, Columbia University's School of Social Work, and a National Urban Fellow at Harvard University. She began her career  in public service over 50 years ago, and helped create the Puerto Rican Association  for Community Affairs, becoming it's Executive Director. She was instrumental in the creation of Taino Towers housing, Boriken Health Center, and Casabe Houses for the elderly.  

"Yolanda was a driving force in  various organizations aimed at improving our communities, and  her list of accomplishments is only exceeded by the number of people whose lives she touched," continued Serrano. "My thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this time of grief, and I know that her legacy will transcend the passage of time through the many people whose lives she changed for the better."