LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jim and Sue Cusack upon the occasion of
their 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 and organizations within the State of New York which 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 Jim
and Sue Cusack upon the occasion of their designation for special recog-
nition 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, Jim and Sue Cusack have continually demonstrated extreme
competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in their
unwavering service to their community and the mission of NCADD and
consequently have been designated for this most prestigious honor; and
WHEREAS, Jim Cusack began his career in 1965, at Glen Arc Lodge in
Glen Spey, New York; his early counseling experiences were difficult, so
he turned to Hazelden for help and spent some time in City Center,
Minnesota learning about the Hazelden Model of Care; and
WHEREAS, Undeterred, Jim Cusack remained committed to his career and
was instrumental in establishing the current treatment methods used as
the standard of care for alcoholism and chemical dependency both
nationally and internationally; he has also helped develop counseling
credentials accepted by professionals throughout the medical field; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, Jim Cusack and his wife and partner, Sue Cusack,
were given an opportunity to develop the program now known as Veritas
Villa, Inc. under the auspices of the Dominican Sisters of Amityville;
their goal was to provide affordable treatment and quality care for
people of all walks of life; it was the first free standing facility in
New York State to provide residential treatment for alcoholics and for
addicts; and
WHEREAS, In 1981, the Dominican Sisters found they had to sell the
property on which the Villa stood; with the help of many friends, Jim
and Sue Cusack were able to relocate the present Villa to Kerhonkson,
New York, where they have been for the past 27 years; and
WHEREAS, Jim and Sue Cusack, along with their superbly-skilled staff,
have dedicated their lives to helping individuals deal with the damaging
effects of alcoholism and chemical dependency, regain their self-esteem,
and become productive citizens of the community; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as demonstrated by Jim and Sue
Cusack 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 Jim and Sue Cusack upon the occasion of their 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 Jim and Sue Cusack.