LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Gail Branch-Muhammad upon the
occasion of her retirement after many years of distinguished service to
the New York State Office of Children and Family Services

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose public service careers serve to enhance the stature of the State
of New York; 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 Gail Branch-Muhammad upon the occasion of her retirement after many
years of distinguished service to the New York State Office of Children
and Family Services; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on
Thursday, April 9, 2009, at Two Steps Down, 240 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Prior to her retirement in January 2009, Gail Branch-Muhammad
had worked for the past 30 years for the New York State Office of Chil-
dren and Family Services in a variety of key positions; and
WHEREAS, Working in the Office of Youth Development as a Downstate
Area Manager, Gail Branch-Muhammad's responsibilities included the allo-
cation of state aid to community-based organizations to administer
Special Delinquency Prevention Programs, SAFE Alternatives for Family
Enrichment, and A Partnership for Youth; and
WHEREAS, In September 2007, Gail Branch-Muhammad was assigned to work
with public schools, community-based organizations and local businesses
to promote the Million Father March; and
WHEREAS, From 1999 to 2002, Gail Branch-Muhammad was the Facility
Director at the Brooklyn Residential Center located in the Crown Heights
neighborhood, a 25-bed facility for adolescent females adjudicated as
juvenile delinquents; during her tenure, she established an advisory
board and partnered with various community organizations to address the
myriad issues faced by these youth; and
WHEREAS, Gail Branch-Muhammad worked with New York Black and Puerto
Rican legislators in February 1995 to plan the first state-wide youth
conference at the Annual Legislative Caucus in Albany; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Gail Branch-Muhammad assisted in the design,
development and implementation of a Rites of Passage process geared to
support the maturation of female adolescents at the Staten Island Resi-
dential Center; and
WHEREAS, Among the many awards received by Gail Branch-Muhammad for
her commitment to youth development are: OCFS New York City Employee of
the Month, Women's History Month Sheroes Award, Richard Green Educa-
tional Excellence Award, NYS Division for Youth Directors Award for
Quality Achievement, and the Vannguard Urban Improvement Association
George Glee Award for Youth Services; and
WHEREAS, For the past 30 years, Gail Branch-Muhammad rendered faith-
ful, conscientious and valuable service to the New York State Office of
Children and Family Services and served with loyalty, honor and
distinction; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Gail Branch-Muhammad
has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Gail Branch-Muhammad has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Gail Branch-Muhammad upon the occasion of her retirement
after many years of distinguished service to the New York State Office
of Children and Family Services; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gail Branch-Muhammad.