LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sister Joanne Dress upon the occasion
of her designation by the Orange County Human Rights Commission as the
recipient of a 2009 Human Rights Award on April 23, 2009

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 organizations
and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Sister Joanne Dress upon the occasion of her designation by the
Orange County Human Rights Commission as the recipient of a 2009 Human
Rights Award; and
WHEREAS, Sister Joanne Dress will be honored at the Commission's 14th
Annual Awards Dinner, to be held at the Graham M. Skea Parks and Recre-
ation Center at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Hamptonburgh, New York on
Thursday, April 23, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The Orange County Human Rights Commission was established in
1970 to serve the citizens of Orange County; its primary objectives
include the fostering of mutual respect and understanding among all
racial, religious and ethnic groups in the County; and
WHEREAS, The Orange County Human Rights Commission also inquires into
incidents of tension and conflict among or between various racial, reli-
gious and ethnic groups and acts to relieve such tension and conducts
and recommends programs in education to increase good will among the
diverse inhabitants of Orange County; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Commission receives complaints of alleged
discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, age,
gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, arrest and/or
conviction record and attempts to resolve such conflicts; and
WHEREAS, Each year at its Annual Awards Dinner the Orange County Human
Rights Commission proudly honors those who support and help to further
its objectives of mutual respect and understanding among all citizens of
the County; and
WHEREAS, Sister Joanne Dress truly merits this high honor; she has a
long career serving and advocating for people in need, giving special
attention to the issues of homelessness and hunger; Sister Joanne joined
the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, a community of women
who help the poor and vulnerable, in 1968, and is currently ably serving
as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of Catholic
Charities Community Services of Orange County; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to its attention, 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
applaud the Orange County Human Rights Commission for its efforts to
foster understanding and pride of community and to commend Sister Joanne
Dress upon the occasion of her designation as the recipient of a 2009
Human Rights Award at the Commission's 14th Annual Awards Dinner on
April 23, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Joanne Dress.