LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Donna Saskowski upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the Social Worker of the Year Award
by the National Association of Social Workers

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Donna Saskowski upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Social Worker of the Year Award by the National Association of
Social Workers; this auspicious occasion was celebrated at a program
sponsored by the New York State Chapter, Western Division, of the
National Association of Social Workers, held at the Ramada Hotel and
Conference Center in Amherst, New York; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Darien, New York, Donna Saskowski is
the Executive Director of the Genesee ARC; she has been on ARC's staff
since 1989 and has served as its Executive Director since 2004; and
WHEREAS, Donna Saskowski received both her Bachelor and Master degrees
in Social Work from the University of Buffalo School of Social Work; and
WHEREAS, Selected for her service to people with developmental disa-
bilities, Donna Saskowski's leadership skills and commitment to communi-
ty development have been outstanding; she has made a major impact on the
lives of individuals and families served by the Genesee ARC, and on the
larger community; and
WHEREAS, Donna Saskowski has forged partnerships and collaborations
which strengthen services and integrate persons with disabilities into
their communities to maximize their opportunities for full and meaning-
ful participation; and
WHEREAS, Among the many initiatives launched by Donna Saskowski are a
recreational partnership with the YMCA and a major fundraising effort
for the Genesee ARC Community Center, formerly St. Mary's School; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Donna Saskowski is a member of the Batavia Rota-
ry Club and the Genesee County United Way Board of Directors; she is
also President of the Finger Lakes Collaborative, and belongs to the
NYSARC's Executive Directors' Association and the Developmental Disabil-
ities Alliance of Western New York; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, Donna Saskowski was a member of the Community Health
Foundation Leadership Fellows and is a member of Leadership Genesee's
Class of 2005; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Donna Saskowski has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; rare
indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the bene-
fit of others which Donna Saskowski has displayed throughout her life;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought
to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Donna Saskowski upon the occasion of her designation as

recipient of the Social Worker of the Year Award by the National Associ-
ation of Social Workers; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Donna Saskowski.