LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Flower
City Down Syndrome Network in 2011

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 that are devoted 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 20th Anniversary of the Flower City Down Syndrome Network in
2011; and
WHEREAS, Begun in 1991 by a small group of local families looking for
a network of support for their children with Down Syndrome, the Flower
City Down Syndrome Network, Inc. (FCDSN) is a New York State not-for-
profit corporation whose mission is to provide education, support and
opportunities to people who have Down Syndrome, and their families, in
the Greater Rochester, New York, area; and
WHEREAS, The first project of the FCDSN was to develop a parent infor-
mation packet that could be distributed to area hospitals; another early
project was to establish a library collection of up-to-date materials
related to Down Syndrome so that members would have access to current
information; and
WHEREAS, FCDSN donated its entire collection of current publications
to the Rochester Public Library System and continues to partner with the
Monroe County Library System by donating current books and materials
related to Down Syndrome and related disabilities on a yearly basis; and
WHEREAS, Many milestones have been reached since the early days of the
FCDSN, including: the creation of a Board of Directors in 1996; the
establishment of financial support programs for families with reimburse-
ment programs to cover several critical items and services, such as
library and audio visual materials, conference attendance and tuition
scholarships; and the holding of annual fund raising events, as well as
member appreciation events; and
WHEREAS, FCDSN has also collaborated with Strong Genetics to create an
information packet for individuals who find out through amniocentesis or
CVS that they are carrying a child that has Down Syndrome; it also host-
ed a three day conference on "Sexuality and People with Developmental
Disabilities" for parents, service providers, and individuals; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, FCDSN volunteer staff has striven to support,
inform and educate parents, family members, and community members by
offering a wide variety of programs and services to meet each groups'
distinct needs; families and volunteers continue to provide the energy,
enthusiasm, and commitment that are key to the ongoing success and
growth of the FCDSN; and
WHEREAS, Tremendous strides have been made in education, social
acceptance and health care for people with Down Syndrome; these
successes invigorate FCDSN as it looks toward a bright future; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Flower City Down
Syndrome Network; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Flower City Down Syndrome
Network; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Flower City Down Syndrome Network.