LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Providence House, Inc. upon the occasion
of hosting its Annual People of Hope Celebration

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Providence House, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its Annual People of
Hope Celebration on Thursday, June 3, 2010, at The Water Club in New
York City; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this fine event is to also recognize two distin-
guished honorees; they are: Brother Thomas Grady, OSF, Director of Camp
Ministry at St. Francis College, Hope Award; and Barbara Blanchard,
J.D., Former Director of The Children's Center at Bedford Hills Correc-
tional Facility, Foundress Award; and
WHEREAS, Providence House began in 1979 when four Sisters of St.
Joseph offered hospitality and a place to stay to a mother who was
coming out of prison and reuniting with her young child; many more moth-
ers and children have followed over the past 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Providence House, Inc.'s beginnings were very informal and
focused on providing shelter and a supportive environment to homeless,
formerly incarcerated women and their children; it has been guided by
values of hospitality, non-violence, compassion and community, and those
values continue to motivate the organization today; and
WHEREAS, Providence House has grown to include five transitional resi-
dences located in Brooklyn and Queens, a transitional residence and
permanent housing program in Westchester and an apartment program and
two permanent housing facilities in Brooklyn; it has established itself
as a community where women receive support from each other and from the
dedicated Sisters and staff who employ a holistic approach to guiding
the women towards creating safe, stable homes of their own; and
WHEREAS, The ultimate goal of Providence House, Inc. has been consist-
ent throughout its history -- to help women become self-sufficient and
recreate lives of stability for themselves and their children; 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 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 Providence House, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
People of Hope Celebration; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Providence House, Inc. and its award recipients.