LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Hearts and Hands upon the occasion of
receiving the Father Medaille Award for Service and Citizenship from
Medaille College

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 fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Hearts and Hands: Faith in Action upon the occasion of receiving the
Father Medaille Award for Service and Citizenship from Medaille College
on April 24, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Father Jean Pierre Medaille founded the Congregation of the
Sisters of St. Joseph to embrace and live fully in service to those in
need; this special award honors the accomplishments of an individual and
organization which contribute to the advancement of the community; and
WHEREAS, Hearts and Hands: Faith in Action, established in 2003, is a
nonprofit charitable organization supported by a coalition of area faith
and community-based service organizations; its services are available to
the elderly and those with disabilities or with long term health
concerns; and
WHEREAS, Hearts and Hands helps people in the Village of Akron and the
Towns of Newstead, Alden, Wales and Clarence and those who live on the
Tonawanda Indian Reservation, helping them to remain in their homes of
choice by providing trained volunteers to assist them with their non-
medical needs; and
WHEREAS, Through their "Best Efforts," Hearts and Hands' volunteers
provide transportation to medical appointments and for local errands;
at-home support such as minor home maintenance or repairs; respite
services, and wellness checks, all at no charge; and
WHEREAS, Ably served by Executive Director, James Bender, CFRE;
Program Coordinator, Tammy Fisher; Coordinator of Volunteer Services-
Wales, Lois Thurnherr; Coordinator of Volunteer Services-Akron/Aldens,
Rosann Lawson; Coordinator of Volunteer Services-Clarence, Christine
Morgan; and Administrative Assistant, Kathy Sutter, Hearts and Hands
makes it easy for members of the community with a little extra time to
volunteer, letting them choose assignments which are convenient for
them; and
WHEREAS, Whether they have an hour a week, a month, or just an hour
every six months to offer their support, their neighbors, their communi-
ty and the volunteers themselves greatly benefit from their partic-
ipation in Hearts and Hands and those it serves; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to recognize Hearts and Hands:
Faith in Action for its commitment and contributions to Akron and
surrounding areas and to their quality of life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Hearts and Hands upon the occasion of receiving the Father
Medaille Award for Service and Citizenship from Medaille College; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Hearts and Hands: Faith in Action.