LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joshua Koerner upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the NCADD Westchester, Inc., on
April 30, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals within the State of New York who have shown a long-standing
commitment to improving the health and well-being of our citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Joshua Koerner upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion by the NCADD Westchester, Inc., at its Spring Luncheon to be held
on Thursday, April 30, 2009, at the Lake Isle Country Club, Eastchester,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The NCADD is an organization committed to educating the
public, most especially youth, about the illnesses of alcoholism and
chemical dependency, and to help eradicate the stigma surrounding these
diseases; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Joshua Koerner has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in his unwavering service to his community and the mission of
NCADD and consequently has been designated for this most prestigious
honor; and
WHEREAS, A native of New Rochelle, New York, Joshua Koerner is a man
of extraordinary will and strength who has witnessed and experienced
firsthand the devastating effects of drugs and alcohol; however, he has
been able to prevail over his illnesses, becoming an exemplary leader as
well as an inspiration to all; and
WHEREAS, Making recovery available to others has become a guiding
principle of Joshua Koerner's professional life; most recently, he has
been working to teach recovery principles to community members as a
means of effective suicide intervention; and
WHEREAS, Today, Joshua Koerner is the Executive Director of CHOICE:
Consumers Helping Others In a Caring Environment; under his esteemed
leadership, CHOICE became the first peer-run mental health agency in
Westchester County, New York; over the past 13 years, it has grown from
one full time employee to 14; and
WHEREAS, Well-known and highly respected throughout the mental health
field, Joshua Koerner has spoken at numerous conferences, including
Alternatives, the Mental Health Empowerment Project, the National Mental
Health Association, the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Associ-
ation, and the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Services, where he serves as immediate past president; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Joshua Koerner has lectured at Brown and Colum-
bia Universities, and is a researcher with the Center for the Study of
Recovery in Social Contexts; in 2001, he was awarded the Art Lewis Award
for Exemplary Achievement in Rehabilitation and Recovery, and in 2008,
his work was recognized by the New Rochelle Council of Community
Services; and
WHEREAS, Joshua Koerner has dedicated his life to helping individuals
deal with the damaging effects of alcoholism and chemical dependency,
regain their self-esteem, and become productive citizens of the communi-
ty; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as demonstrated by Joshua
Koerner over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals 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
honor Joshua Koerner upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the NCADD Westchester, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joshua Koerner.