LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ulster-Greene ARC upon the occasion of
its designation as recipient of the 2011 Not-for-Profit Award by the
Greene County Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
exceptional individuals and businesses which substantially contribute to
the economic vitality of their communities and the entire Empire State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Ulster-Greene ARC upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of
the 2011 Not-for-Profit Award by the Greene County Chamber of Commerce
at its Annual Recognition Gala at The Point in Catskill, New York, on
Thursday, June 16, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The Greene County Chamber of Commerce is the county's largest
commercial organization, proud of its region's historic past and natural
beauty, the organization is dedicated to advancing the prosperity of all
of its members from not-for-profits and sole proprietors to large corpo-
rations; it offers a valuable pool of resources from which members can
draw ideas and energy to grow their organizations and improve their
bottom lines; and
WHEREAS, Ulster-Greene ARC is a not-for-profit health agency serving
nearly 1,200 people who have developmental delays or disabilities
throughout the mid-Hudson and Catskill Mountain regions; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1956, by families who insisted that their children
with disabilities have the same opportunities for education, training,
and housing as anyone else; today, Ulster-Greene ARC offers services for
every stage of their clients' lives, beginning at birth with early-in-
tervention services, and continuing through preschool and school
services, vocational training and employment, residential services,
family support, and transportation; and
WHEREAS, Ulster-Greene ARC also advocates for funding and legislative
policies that improve services to those with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, As one of the area's largest employers, Ulster-Greene ARC
employs over 1,000 dedicated staff members across Ulster and Greene
counties; and
WHEREAS, Through its transportation system, Ulster-Greene ARC operates
a fleet of 150 vehicles, that travel nearly two-million miles each year,
providing vital transportation for those needing services; in addition,
its residential services provide both housing and in-home care; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the need for comprehensive services for adults
with autism, in 2009 Ulster-Greene ARC introduced the Renaissance
program, which provides a multi-faceted, multi-disciplined approach to
their needs; and
WHEREAS, At the end of 2010, Ulster-Greene ARC began its Intensive
Behavioral Support program, which offers in-home training and help to
qualified families struggling with behavioral issues, to help stabilize
and keep the families intact; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, attendees of Ulster-Greene ARC's recreation program
received training from local artists and participated in an exhibition
of their art, which covered all media, at the Community Center in Cats-
kill; and
WHEREAS, Ulster-Greene ARC should be commended for their extraordinary
dedication and half-century of commitment to its region's residents with
disabilities as well as their families; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals 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; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Ulster-Greene ARC and to wish it
continued success in all future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ulster-Greene ARC upon the occasion of its designation as recipi-
ent of the 2011 Not-for-Profit Award by the Greene County Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Laurie Kelley, executive director of Ulster-Greene ARC.