LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring New Visions of Slingerlands, New York,
upon the occasion of its 60th Anniversary, April 1, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the intent 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 concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions of distinction 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 honor New
Visions of Slingerlands, New York, upon the occasion of its 60th Anni-
versary; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the organiza-
tion's Sock Hop and Soda Pop Dance, to be held on Friday, April 1, 2011,
at the New Visions Center Cafeteria, 334 Krumkill Road, Slingerlands,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The mission of New Visions is to serve, advocate and offer
opportunities to persons with differing abilities and their families;
the organization is dedicated to providing services and support that
enable individuals to realize their fullest potential; it strives to
promote the principles of responsible choice, personal satisfaction,
inclusion and meaningful individualized opportunities through consumer
empowerment; and
WHEREAS, For 60 years, New Visions (formerly the Albany ARC) has
remained a dedicated provider of the services and supports that have
helped people lead lives of potential, diversity, fulfillment and commu-
nity inclusion; and
WHEREAS, In 1951, a small group of parents joined together in an
effort to improve the lives of their children with mental retardation
and developmental disabilities; these parents recognized that a school
program was needed and worked to open preschool classes followed by
educational and vocational programs that would become New Visions; and
WHEREAS, Since those first preschool classes, New Visions has grown
and developed into a New York State leader in the field of service
provision for individuals with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Under the superb leadership of its President, Jeffrey Platt,
and Executive Director, Andrew F. McKenzie, New Visions currently offers
educational, rehabilitative and residential programs to more than 600
people and their families in the Capital District; and
WHEREAS, New Visions has moved from a single room classroom to its
present modem facility with over 35 classrooms, a full service commer-
cial kitchen, and a workshop/warehouse production area; it also operates
25 homes, 13 supportive apartments and four supervised apartments in the
Capital Region; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the dedicated staff of New Visions provides
quality care, advocacy and specialized programs throughout the Capital
Region, including: community employment programs, day habilitation
programs, community residences and day training/sheltered workshops; 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
honor New Visions upon the occasion of its 60th Anniversary; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New Visions, 334 Krumkill Road, Slingerlands, New York 12159.