LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Paul J. Tendler upon the occasion of his
retirement as Executive Director and CEO of Jawonio, after more than 30
years of distinguished service to the organization

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed resi-
dents of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Paul
J. Tendler upon the occasion of his retirement as Executive Director and
CEO of Jawonio, after more than 30 years of distinguished service to the
organization; and
WHEREAS, The Executive Director and CEO of Jawonio since 1988, a
direct rehabilitation center that serves over 5,000 physically, mentally
and emotionally disabled individuals of all ages, Paul J. Tendler began
his career with the organization in 1977 when he was named Associate
Executive Director; and
WHEREAS, Paul J. Tendler previously worked as the Director of Alcohol
and Substance Abuse Services at the Rockland County Community Mental
Health Center and for the New York City Department of Social Services;
and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Paul J. Tendler has been the recipient of a
multitude of awards and certificates of recognition, acknowledging his
efforts of in-depth magnitude, including the 2007 Spirit of Temple Beth
Torah Award, the 2002 Jewish Family Services of Rockland County Communi-
ty Service Award, the 2002 Friend of Jawonio Award, the 2002 Ralph
DeMayo Alumni Award from the Fordham University of Graduate School
Social Service, the 1998 Boy Scouts of America Hudson Valley Council
District Achievement Award, the 1997 United Cerebral Palsy Daniel Wieder
Award for Professional Leadership, the 1996 Joseph R. Bernstein Memorial
Award from the Mental Health Association of Rockland County and the 1981
Myrtle Wreath Award from the Lower New York State Region of Hadassah;
and
WHEREAS, A former National Surveyor for the Commission on Accredi-
tation of Rehabilitation Facilities, Paul J. Tendler is a member of the
National Association of Social Workers, the Academy of Certified Social
Workers and the Society of Clinical Social Workers; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Paul J. Tendler was a founding board member of
the Disability Service Providers of America, Secretary of the New York
State Industries for the Disabled, Chairman of the Rockland County Disa-
bility Advisory Council, Co-Chairman of the Council for the Interna-
tional Year of Disabled Persons, President of the Rotary Club of New
City, Vice President of the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center, a
Committee Member of the New York State Commission on Quality Care Surro-
gate Decision Making and an Executive Board Member of Rockland County
Council of the Boy Scouts of America; and
WHEREAS, Paul J. Tendler also served as a Board Member of the Fordham
University Graduate School of Social Services, the Rockland County
Community Services Board, the Rockland Council on Alcoholism, and Lead-
ership Rockland, and was a member of the New York State Select Committee
on the Disabled, the New York State Inter-Agency Council Advisory Board,
the New York Senate Select Committee on Social Services, the BOCES Occu-
pational Education Advisory Council, the Letchworth Developmental Center
Competency Review Board, the National Eagle Scout Association and Athel-
stane Lodge No. 839, Free and Accepted Masons; and
WHEREAS, A Doctoral candidate at the Adelphi University School of
Social Work, Paul J. Tendler received a Master's degree in Social Work

from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences
from Michigan State University; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career with Jawonio, Paul Tendler served with
intelligence and caring dedication, continuously striving to effectively
fulfill the duties of his position; and
WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and greatly respected by all those with whom
he worked, Paul J. Tendler will be remembered for his honesty, integri-
ty, keen sense of duty and ability to show a unique grasp of human prob-
lems in his official acts; 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 Paul J. Tendler upon the occasion of his retirement as Executive
Director and CEO of Jawonio, after more than 30 years of distinguished
service to the organization, and to wish him continued success in all of
his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul J. Tendler.