LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the College
& Community Fellowship

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 10th Anniversary of the College & Community Fellowship, to be
celebrated on Tuesday, November 16, 2010; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, the College & Community Fellowship (CCF) was estab-
lished to address the educational, community and organizational needs of
women with criminal convictions in the New York metropolitan area; the
program was designed to provide long-term opportunities for educational
accomplishment, professional development, self-advocacy, public leader-
ship and civic participation; and
WHEREAS, CCF brought together the expertise and the concerns of people
with criminal convictions, prison educators, social service workers,
philanthropists, criminal justice professionals and race and gender
scholars who were interested in developing alternatives beyond the
short-term, concrete and immediate needs approach of current prisoner
re-entry and transition programs; this special project was created to
offer education-based alternatives to the available program options for
women with criminal convictions; and
WHEREAS, During the first three years of operation, CCF focused inten-
sively on providing tuition assistance, academic counseling and mentor-
ing to CCF fellows as they pursue their degrees; each CCF fellow
receives a stipend per semester which makes a difference for the vast
majority of CCF fellows who are raising children and facing other finan-
cial obligations while they work and acquire their degrees; and
WHEREAS, Mentors supply academic motivation and career advice as well
as assist with the overall adjustment to academic life; students seeking
additional support receive referrals to agencies that specifically offer
re-entry services related to housing, mental health, substance abuse
treatment, financial support, family reunification and employment; and
WHEREAS, Having successfully worked on the educational mission of CCF,
in 2002 the program began to focus on the other aims of its mission; it
also works to create a supportive and committed community environment in
which women can openly strategize about how to challenge particular
barriers and find support and guidance in the process; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, CCF continues to serve as a nexus of
information and resources related to the impact of higher education on
the prison and post-prison experience; it engages in public education
and advocacy through research, seminars, and conferences; and
WHEREAS, CCF's distinguished record merits the recognition and
respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of College & Community Fellowship; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the College & Community Fellowship.