LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim April 2009 as Professional Counselor's Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those individuals who give guidance on personal, social, rehabilitative
and psychological problems to the citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim April 2009 as Professional
Counselor's Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The New York Counseling Association and the American Coun-
seling Association work diligently to educate the general public of the
vital role taken by professional counselors working within the public
and private sectors in enhancing the quality of life of individuals who
need counseling services; and
WHEREAS, The American Counseling Association declares the month of
April every year as Professional Counselor's Month; and
WHEREAS, These professional counselors, working in schools, mental
health facilities, career and rehabilitation centers, hospitals, correc-
tional institutions, private practice, government agencies and the armed
forces, empower people to make positive decisions about their lives; and
WHEREAS, National certification programs and/or licensure enable
consumers to identify counselors who meet recognized standards for
professional expertise; and
WHEREAS, The national code of ethics to which professional counselors
subscribe further assures the quality of counseling services they
provide; and
WHEREAS, The New York Counseling Association, a state branch of the
American Counseling Association, promotes public confidence and trust in
the counseling professions by serving its members, the professional
counselors in our communities, with leadership training and continuing
education; and
WHEREAS, The professional counselors of this Empire State have earned
the privilege to be recognized for their dedication in helping to guide
people of all ages and from all walks of life through personal, social,
educational, rehabilitative and career transitions on the journey to
reach their goals and aspirations; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize the
significant contributions that professional counselors have made to the
developmental, mental health and rehabilitation needs of citizens in our
communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim April 2009 as Profes-
sional Counselor's Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, Ellen Gerald, President of the New York Counseling Association,
and Alphonse Gaudioso, MS, LRC, Rehabilitation Counseling Division.