LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Family and
Children's Service of Ithaca, New York

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 that are devoted 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 commem-
orate the 125th Anniversary of Family and Children's Service of Ithaca,
New York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated in May 2010, at
the Celebration and Award Ceremony, to be held at the Country Club of
Ithaca in Ithaca, New York; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of its President and Chief Executive
Officer, James G. Johnston, Family and Children's Service of Ithaca, New
York, is dedicated to providing affordable, professional services that
support children, families, and organizations in finding solutions to
the challenges of life today; it strives to serve the whole family, and
help its clients feel better, get better, and heal; and
WHEREAS, The oldest existing human service agency in Tompkins County,
Family and Children's Service of Ithaca has been serving the community
since 1885; its origins date back to the establishment of the Ithaca
Children's Home, which was opened to care for orphaned and destitute
children; during the 1930s, and the Family Society of Ithaca, a welfare
relief agency that distributed food, clothing, and financial assistance
to the city's neediest families, working closely with the Ithaca Chil-
dren's Home; and
WHEREAS, In 1957, the two agencies merged to form Family and Chil-
dren's Service of Ithaca, as it is constituted today -- providing mental
health services, senior services, employee assistance, and youth
services programs; and
WHEREAS, Family and Children's Service of Ithaca is approved by the
State of New York as an adoption agency; its clinical practice is
licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health as an outpatient
clinic; and
WHEREAS, Family and Children's Service of Ithaca enjoys membership in
many organizations, including the: United Way of Tompkins County, Human
Service Coalition, New York State Association of Family Service Agen-
cies, Statewide Caregiving and Respite Coalition of New York, and Tomp-
kins County Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, The staff of Family and Children's Service of Ithaca is
professionally trained in a variety of disciplines; it is comprised of
clinical psychologists, New York State certified social workers,
consulting psychiatrists, registered nurses, respite aides, and youth
service caseworkers trained in counseling and adolescent development;
they are devoted to meeting the needs of the community and providing
excellence in mental health services; all its clinical personnel coun-
seling clients are master-level educated; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Family and Children's Service of Ithaca is an
approved training center and provides specialized internships to
students from Cornell University, Ithaca College, Binghamton University,
SUNY Buffalo, Marywood School of Social Work, Tompkins-Cortland Communi-
ty College, and Syracuse University; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Family and Chil-
dren's Service of Ithaca, New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
organizations such as Family and Children's Service of Ithaca, New York,
which serve to bring people together for the united purpose of actively
pursuing improvements in their communities; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations 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
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Family and Children's Service of
Ithaca, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James G. Johnston, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Family and Children's Service, 127 West State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.