LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the United Way of Ulster County upon
the occasion of its designation for special recognition by the Ulster
Literacy Association, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 organiza-
tions and 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
the United Way of Ulster County upon the occasion of its designation for
special recognition by the Ulster Literacy Association, Inc. at its
Cherishing Our Champions Dinner Dance to be held on Friday, April 24,
2009, at Wiltwyck Golf Club; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, The Ulster Literacy Association has been
dedicated to teaching people from all walks of life the essential skill
of reading; it offers numerous programs to community members including
the Ulster Literate campaign which brings together Ulster County busi-
nesses and tutors to teach local students about current events, becoming
United States citizens, shopping, nutrition, banking, auto repair,
medical care and prescription safety information; and
WHEREAS, The Ulster Literacy Association also has a Family Literacy
Center, where families may gather to practice English, complete homework
and obtain computer access; the Association also teaches several writing
classes at the Ulster County Law Enforcement Center; and
WHEREAS, The exceptional programs offered by the Ulster Literacy Asso-
ciation would not be possible without the unwavering support of the
United Way of Ulster County, which has contributed significantly to the
Association and its mission for the past 30 years; and
WHEREAS, The United Way of Ulster County has been supporting local
agencies and initiatives throughout the region for 55 years; founded in
1954, as the Community Chest, it helped support 10 local agencies;
today, United Way of Ulster County supports 22 local agencies and nine
community partnerships; and
WHEREAS, With a staff of three, and the help of countless community
volunteers, the United Way of Ulster County works with its community
partners to provide families access to affordable child care; vocational
training and job placement; literacy and life-skills training; housing
assistance to prevent homelessness; parent education to assure children
reach their full potential; as well as substance abuse prevention
services to reduce the use of alcohol and drugs, particularly among
youth; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, the United Way of Ulster County works to increase
access to healthcare through the FamilyWize Discount Prescription Drug
Care Program; it also offers free tax preparation assistance; emergency
fuel and food assistance and the 211 telephone service providing infor-
mation and referral 24/7; its most recent initiative, HOPE's Fund, is an
innovative women's mentoring and financial assistance program to help
low-income women realize their dreams; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the United Way of Ulster County is in
direct correlation to the efforts of the many individuals and volunteers
who have supported the organization over the years; and
WHEREAS, Equally commendable are the United Way of Ulster County 's
superbly-skilled staff, whose involvement is and has always been charac-
terized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an

uncompromising standard of excellence in all of their efforts on behalf
of United Way and the population it serves; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the United Way
of Ulster County may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it
looks forward to continuing to serve the needs of the community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the United Way of Ulster County upon the occasion of its desig-
nation for special recognition by the Ulster Literacy Association, Inc.;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the United Way of Ulster County.