LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending United Way of Westchester and Putnam
upon the occasion of receiving the Champion of Child Care Award from the
Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc. on June 5, 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 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
United Way of Westchester and Putnam upon the occasion of receiving the
Champion of Child Care Award from the Child Care Council of Westchester,
Inc. at its Awards Luncheon to be held on Friday, June 5, 2009, at The
Woman's Club, White Plains, New York; and
WHEREAS, The United Way's support of Westchester County's early child
care and education dates back many decades through its direct support of
licensed centers throughout the county; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, United Way of Westchester and Putnam,
in partnership with the Child Care Council, shifted its focus away from
making center-based grants to funding a child care scholarship program
for families identified by centers as particularly in need of financial
assistance; and
WHEREAS, As a result of this effort, hundreds of scholarships were
awarded to children from immigrant families, children of teen parents,
children with special needs, and children with a disabled parent who is
unable to work; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and commitment of United Way of Westchester
and Putnam made it possible for countless children to access regulated
child care; and
WHEREAS, In addition, United Way of Westchester and Putnam has
contributed significantly to the Child Care Council's advocacy and
public education efforts; and
WHEREAS, The first grant received by the Council, in 2005, led to the
formation of the Westchester Partnership for Early Care and Education, a
coalition of business, higher education, economic development agencies,
early care and education programs, philanthropy, government and chil-
dren's advocates; and
WHEREAS, This Partnership is devoted to building and maintaining a
strong system of child care as an investment in the future of
Westchester's children and communities; and
WHEREAS, With its new initiatives in Education, Income and Health, the
United Way of Westchester and Putnam continues to play a vital and
distinctive role in the lives of Westchester's children and families;
and
WHEREAS, The United Way of Westchester and Putnam has clearly had an
enduring impact on the youth of Westchester County, as well as on the
community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for
its impressive dedication to others; 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 United Way of Westchester and Putnam upon the occasion of
receiving the Champion of Child Care Award from the Child Care Council
of Westchester, Inc. on June 5, 2009; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to United Way of Westchester and Putnam.