LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Constance B. Eve for 30 years of distin-
guished service to Women for Human Rights and Dignity, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize
those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to the
success and progress of society in the course of their life's work; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Constance B. Eve for 30 years of distinguished service to Women for
Human Rights and Dignity, Inc., to be celebrated on Saturday, April 25,
2009; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this special event is to celebrate 30 years of
helping women rebuild their lives; Women for Human Rights and Dignity,
Inc., is holding its annual luncheon and forum with an agenda to bring
hope to underprivileged women in today's economy; and
WHEREAS, When Women for Human Rights and Dignity was formed 30 years
ago, its founder Constance Eve knew that single moms and incarcerated
women faced extra challenges such as poverty, mental illness, lack of
education, to name a few; she also knew that these particular women
would need extra help in order to cope with those challenges; and
WHEREAS, Constance B. Eve was born one of ten children on July 14,
1932, in Havoco, West Virginia, to Roberta and George Bowles; she gradu-
ated from high school at the age of 15, and also won a scholarship for
Oratory which led to her receiving her B.A. degree in English and Drama
from West Virginia State College at the age of 19; in addition, she is a
holder of the Diamond Study Key Little Theater under Fannin S. Belcher,
Jr., and possesses a Master of Arts degree from New York University; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated academician, Constance Eve's professional experi-
ences include: Assistant Librarian at New York University, Research
Division; Assistant Professor of English and Drama and Director of
Little Theater, Bennett College for Women, Greensboro, North Carolina;
Instructor, English, Buffalo Public Schools; and Professor of English,
Erie Community College; and
WHEREAS, Thirty years ago, Constance Eve invited 12 women of various
professions, including Mental Health, Social Services, Education, Crimi-
nal Justice, and Community Activists to join her in a plan of action;
thus Women for Human Rights and Dignity, Incorporated was formed; it is
a 501C3 organization committed to Human Services; and
WHEREAS, For 30 years, literally thousands of women, children and
families have been served through a holistic approach of four Human
Services components developed and operated to address the problems of
single parent heads of households and their children; these components,
include: the Women's Residential Resource Center (an Alternative To
Incarceration); Center for Educational Vocational Enrichment (GED and
Vocational Enrichment); Dignity Circle and Dignity Village, twenty homes
with supportive services for single parent heads of households and their
children; and 2278 Main, the center of the organization where hundreds
of participants volunteer yearly in varied workshops for yearly
projects; and
WHEREAS, The work of Women for Human Rights and Dignity, Inc. received
National recognition when selected from more than 2,000 applicants as
the most outstanding volunteer organization in America; it was also
honored with the Alexis de Tocqueville award by the National United Way
of America; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1956, Constance married Arthur O. Eve, former
Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly; in addition to her
husband, with her throughout have been her five children, Leecia,

Arthur, Jr., Eric, Martin, and Malcolm, her 10 grandchildren, and two
great-grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her
life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that individuals who
exemplify a spirit of humanity should be celebrated for their noble
efforts on behalf of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Constance B. Eve for 30 years of distinguished service to Women
for Human Rights and Dignity, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Constance B. Eve.