LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending America Works upon the occasion of
hosting its 25th Anniversary celebration

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
America Works upon the occasion of hosting its 25th Anniversary cele-
bration on Thursday, November 12, 2009, in New York City; and
WHEREAS, An innovative private employment company, America Works is a
nationally recognized business with a sound 25-year track record with
offices in New York City, Albany, and others nationwide; and
WHEREAS, America Works places hard-to-serve populations and has jobs
for all skill levels; the average TANF (AFDC) recipient that it success-
fully places has been on welfare for five years and scores academically
at the 8th grade level; half of the participants do not have a GED/high
school diploma; it has been recorded that the New York State Department
of Labor has determined that 88% of the people placed by America Works
remain off the welfare rolls three years later; and
WHEREAS, America Works pioneered the now nationally adopted work-first
approach to welfare reduction; its clients first participate in up to
four weeks of training, focusing on soft skills like communication,
getting along, developing a positive attitude and overcoming fears; it
also prepares clients for interviews, assists them on clerical or non-
clerical skills, matches them with job openings and arranges interviews
with potential employers; and
WHEREAS, America Works' Job Readiness services prepare participants
for jobs with the specific companies at which it places, with curricula
geared to the specific soft and hard skills that its employers demand;
America Works tailors its four-week curriculum to the unique training
procedures and needs of selected employers thereby giving its partic-
ipants a competitive advantage when competing against outside applicants
for jobs; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned our
recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend America Works upon the occasion of hosting its 25th Anniversary
celebration; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Lee Bowes and Peter Cove, Founders, America Works.