LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Chil-
dren's Home in Hillcrest, New York

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 in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Children's Home, in Hillcrest, New
York; and
WHEREAS, To mark this most auspicious occasion, the Children's Home is
celebrating with a moving billboard; a BC Transit Bus has been wrapped,
advertising the Children's Home; and
WHEREAS, The Children's Home also has plans to celebrate all year
long, with its two large annual events, the Maggie Memorial Golf Tourna-
ment in late June and the Ice Cream Social in August, as well as a
special celebration; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, a luncheon will be held
at the Binghamton Riverwalk Hotel with keynote speaker Rita Soronen,
President of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Children's Home is to enhance the safety,
stability, and well-being of children, families andthe community it
serves; and
WHEREAS, The Children's Home began as a home for women and children in
Binghamton by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1912; and
WHEREAS, In 1918, it moved to its current location on the former
Macomber Farm and operated as an orphanage for many years; and
WHEREAS, Toward the middle of the 20th Century, the focus of the Chil-
dren's Home expanded to be a family-centered practice and established a
Social Services program; and
WHEREAS, In the 1970s, the Children's Home was licensed by the New
York State Department of Social Services as a residential treatment
center; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, the Children's Home was licensed by the New York
State Board of Regents to provide educational services for kindergarten
through grade 12; and
WHEREAS, A decade later, the Residential Treatment Facility, Inc.
(R.T.F., Inc.) was established as an affiliate and licensed by New York
State Office of Mental Health as a hospital for mentally ill children;
and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of its President, Chip
Houser, the Children's Home's over 300 employees provide a broad range
of services to 450 children, including day treatment and after-school
programs as well as adoption and foster parent services; and
WHEREAS, Through the Children's Home, both children and families find
pathways to success through the hard work, dedication and service of an
organization devoted to the betterment of the community; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated employees of the Children's Home have worked to
make this organization a thriving place for the growth of children and
families who look to the Children's Home for hope and guidance, and are
being honored for their dedication to the community and for profound
service as a home for children; and
WHEREAS, Many young people feel unsafe, unwelcome and unloved; the
Children's Home partners with other agencies to offer a sanctuary of
grace and hope to young people and their families; 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
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Children's Home in Hillcrest,
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Children's Home, Hillcrest, New York.