LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Loretta Smith-Stanley upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the Senior Advocate Award

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Loretta Smith-
Stanley upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior
Advocate Award, to be celebrated at the 5th Annual Men of Distinction
and Women of Valor Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 17, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The Men of Distinction and Women of Valor Awards Ceremony is
held each year to honor and pay just tribute to outstanding individuals
whose leadership roles have had a significant impact on the daily lives
of the people of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Loretta Smith-Stanley was born to Warren and Sadie B. Smith,
in St. Louis, Missouri; she is the sixth of 10 children which includes
five sisters and four brothers; she graduated from Florissant Valley
College, where she majored in community service; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, Ms. Smith came to New York where she began her
career at Tabernacle Education Action; she worked with youth and the
community to create outreach programs, improve the neighborhood, feed
the homeless, and provide services to the elderly; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, Loretta Smith-Stanley continued her community
service as Assistant Director at Van Dyke Community Center, an after
school program and summer day camp; she provided assistance in tutoring,
special trips, and counseling, as well as gave support to the youth
workers; when the program relocated to Lafayette Garden Community
Center's after school program, she became an Acting Director; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Smith began her career with the elderly at Tompkins Park
Senior Center, under the sponsorship of Bhrags; she was later employed
as Director of the Fenimore Senior Center, where she developed and
explored new horizons by presenting diverse opportunities such as the
Helen Keller Senior Center for the Blind, the College Work Study Program
and the District Attorney's Office-Community Service Program; and
WHEREAS, In 1992, Ms. Smith served as interim employee at Van Dyke II
Senior Center; in February 1993, Wayside Baptist Church became the new
sponsor and she was appointed its Director, using her special talents
and creative skills to develop a positive program; and
WHEREAS, Under her leadership, Loretta Smith-Stanley has motivated and
inspired seniors to participate in the day to day activities, such as a
nutritional breakfast and lunch, educational and social activities, and
entitlement services; and
WHEREAS, Loretta Smith-Stanley feels that one of her best attributes
is counseling; she finds that counseling is an intricate tool that each
senior needs for encouragement due to their special needs and most
importantly, she finds that laughter and affection are joint ventures
for herself as well as the seniors; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her children, Lenika, Dienna,
Jessica, and Vanessa, as well as two granddaughters, Appollonia and
Chloe', all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice
in her achievements; 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 Loretta Smith-Stanley upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Senior Advocate Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Loretta Smith-Stanley.