LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Herkim-
er Area Resource Center

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 40th Anniversary of the Herkimer Area Resource Center on
Saturday, September 26, 2009, at Francesca's Banquet and Catering in
Ilion, New York; and
WHEREAS, Located in Herkimer County and a chapter of NYSARC, Inc., the
Herkimer Area Resource Center (HARC) is a family-based, not-for-profit
community organization founded in 1969; and
WHEREAS, Today, HARC is a partnership of people with disabilities,
their families, staff members, and volunteers providing a full spectrum
of individualized services for people with disabilities along with their
families; most people receiving these services have a developmental
disability, and some have psychiatric or physical disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The first program HARC began in 1969 was its recreation
program, and by 1972 an activity center opened; its Herkimer Industries
vocational training and workshop opened in 1973, and it started its
first home and residential services program in 1974; although it has
been transporting people using family vehicles since its earliest begin-
nings, HARC formally started its transportation program in 1975; and
WHEREAS, The first major expansion HARC experienced was in 1979 when
it started its day treatment program; by the mid-1980s, the organization
started its supported work programs, supervised and supportive apart-
ments, and its parenting programs; and
WHEREAS, HARC began individualized service planning in the early
1990s; by the late 1990s into the year 2000, it started its medical
clinic service, and then began its spirituality and guardianship
programs; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, HARC serves over 600 people with
disabilities through residential, employment, vocational training,
career counseling, family support, educational, day treatment, transpor-
tation, guardianship, respite, advocacy, community and home-based and
non-acute medical services; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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 40th Anniversary of the Herkimer Area Resource Center;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Herkimer Area Resource Center.