LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Able2

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 who would devote themselves 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 60th Anniversary of Able2, to be celebrated on Monday, July
12, 2010; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this event is also the 20th year of providing a
premium golf tournament fundraiser; and
WHEREAS, Able2, formerly Cerebral Palsy and Handicapped Children's
Association of Chemung County has been the premier provider of compre-
hensive services in its area to people with developmental disabilities;
today, it serves hundreds of children and adults along with their fami-
lies from Chemung County and surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, All of Able2's services are designed to facilitate the flexi-
ble arrangements of preferred and needed services, individually tailored
to the unique needs and personal goals of each person; and
WHEREAS, In 1949, a group of concerned parents in Chemung County that
had children with Cerebral Palsy gathered together to give support to
each other and find educational resources for their children; the
mission was to advocate for services for the children; and
WHEREAS, This particular group grew and changed over the next several
years, and eventually Ann B. LeMark was hired as the first employee; her
mission was to handle the administrative functions and to travel the
area and work with agencies and families, matching services with needs;
and
WHEREAS, The first residential building was constructed in 1984 on
Ithaca Road in Horseheads to provide services in day treatment and resi-
dential living for those with special needs; in 2000, the organization
moved administrative offices into the old Edgeworth School on Charles
Street and named it the Ann LeMark Children's Center; and
WHEREAS, The building houses the pre-school and in 2004, the Jerry
Kohena Dental Clinic was opened; today, it serves hundreds of families
per year with a staff of nearly 400 employees; programs now include:
Children's Pre-School Services, Clinical Services, Community Support
Services, Day Services and Service Coordination; and
WHEREAS, Able2 is committed to quality, compassion and ethical advoca-
cy for individuals with disabilities; in order to achieve that commit-
ment, it strives to support each person's growth and development towards
independence, inclusion, individualization and productivity; and
WHEREAS, Able2 is committed to treating each person with respect, and
it strives to provide education and awareness to the community regarding
the rights and abilities of those it serves; Able2 continues to foster
an environment committed to excellence, teamwork and fiscal responsibil-
ity; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations 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
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Able2; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mark Peters, Executive Director of Able2.