LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
Yolanda Sanchez, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her commu-
nity

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Yolanda Sanchez of East Harlem, New York, died on Monday,
June 11, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Yolanda Sanchez distinguished herself in her profession and
by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community; and
WHEREAS, As a young Puerto Rican caseworker in the 1950s, born in East
Harlem, Yolanda Sanchez began her life-long profession of organizing and
advocacy more than 50 years ago, when she was asked to join the staff of
Aspire in 1962; and
WHEREAS, Yolanda Sanchez's first assignment was to organize leadership
development programs for youth; and
WHEREAS, During her long career, Yolanda Sanchez was a driving force
in organizations of great importance throughout the social service
community, and in particular, to the Latina population of New York City;
she was an inspiration to the many people whom she had mentored, espe-
cially young Latinos; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of City College and the Columbia University School
of Social Work, as well as a National Urban Fellow at Harvard University
for many years, Yolanda Sanchez was the Executive Director of the Puerto
Rican Association for Community Affairs, an organization she helped to
create; and
WHEREAS, Yolanda Sanchez's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Yolanda Sanchez was the founding member and later president
of the National Latinas Caucus, a past president of the East Harlem
Council for Human Services and a former director of CUNY's office of
Puerto Rican programs; and
WHEREAS, Yolanda Sanchez was also instrumental in the creation of
three major institutions for the poor and working class of East Harlem;
these are Taino Towers housing, Boriken Health Center, and Casabe Houses
for the elderly; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her life-long contributions to her communi-
ty, Yolanda Sanchez will be recognized posthumously as the recipient of
the inaugural Trailblazer Award during the Silberman School of Social
Work Graduation; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Yolanda Sanchez leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of Yolanda Sanchez, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Yolanda Sanchez.