LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties
upon the occasion of celebrating its 55th Anniversary on June 18, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality of life in the communities across this great State of New York
is enriched by the diligence and compassionate commitment of those indi-
viduals and organizations whose singular purpose is the care and welfare
of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties upon the occasion of celebrating
its 55th Anniversary at its Annual Meeting to be held on Thursday, June
18, 2009, at the Radisson Hotel, Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties is a non-profit human
services agency which provides advocacy and services for individuals
with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in Oneida and
Lewis counties; and
WHEREAS, The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties is one of 55 chapters in
the statewide NYSARC, Inc., the largest not-for-profit agency in the
nation serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
and
WHEREAS, In 1954, The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties was founded by
a group of concerned parents who envisioned a rich, full life for their
children with special needs; and
WHEREAS, The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties helps individuals
achieve their fullest potential in whatever their dreams or aspirations
may be for the future; it provides a full spectrum of educational, voca-
tional, employment, residential, family support, Medicaid service coor-
dination, guardianship, respite care, recreational rehabilitation, day
habilitation, senior and children's services to people with develop-
mental disabilities and their families; and
WHEREAS, In addition, The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties is commit-
ted to increasing public awareness about the needs, rights, and most
importantly, the abilities of the people with developmental disabili-
ties; and
WHEREAS, The agency is staffed by over 700 professionals and serves
over 1,500 individuals throughout Oneida and Lewis counties; and
WHEREAS, Its staff members are dedicated to providing the best
services possible for all individuals with disabilities and to treat
them with the dignity, respect and acceptance that is the right of every
person; and
WHEREAS, As The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties celebrates its 55th
Anniversary, it will continue to carry out its mission to enable persons
with disabilities and their families to achieve their potential through
self-determined goals in partnership with the agency; and
WHEREAS, The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties is extremely proud of
its distinguished history and the fact that it has been a leader in
providing the highest quality services in Oneida and Lewis counties for
all people from birth through adulthood who have disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations which bring greater awareness
to health issues, and assist people with developmental disabilities in
their quest for dignity and independence, are a great benefit to the
health and welfare of all citizens; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and recognize
The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties, which has led the way in providing
education, habilitation, as well as jobs to individuals with disabili-

ties in the hopes of integrating them into the community for the past 55
years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties upon the occasion of cele-
brating its 55th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties.