LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Catholic Charities of the Diocese of
Albany, Disability Services, upon the occasion of its designation as the
recipient of the Capital District Center for Independence's Excellence
in Disability Leadership, Business Award at its 15th Annual Celebration
of Independence Crystal Gala on May 31, 2012

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 organizations
and individuals who 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 pleased to honor Catholic
Charities of the Diocese of Albany, Disability Services upon the occa-
sion of its designation as the recipient of the Capital District Center
for Independence's Excellence in Disability Leadership, Business Award
at its 15th Annual Celebration of Independence Crystal Gala, to be held
at Mallozzi's Restaurant in Rotterdam, New York on May 31, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Capital District Center for Independence, Inc. has dedicated
almost 30 years to promoting independence for people living with disa-
bilities; a not-for-profit community-based independent-living center, it
provides services to people with disabilities, their families, and busi-
nesses throughout the greater capital region; and
WHEREAS, Capital District Center for Independence, Inc. has made
significant strides to promote inclusion and universal access in the
community; at its annual Crystal Gala the Center recognizes outstanding
Capital Region individuals and businesses who have demonstrated their
commitment to breaking down the remaining barriers; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1980s, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of
Albany recognized the need to support people with developmental and
related disabilities and established Catholic Charities Disabilities
Services; and
WHEREAS, Since then, Catholic Charities Disabilities Services has
grown to be one of the largest and most respected service providers for
people with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Vincent W. Colonno, former Commissioner of the Albany County
Department of Social Services and a leader of the social services commu-
nity in New York's Capital Region for nearly three decades, is the
current Chief Executive Officer and able leader of Catholic Charities of
the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, Disability Services
upon the occasion of its designation as the recipient of the Capital
District Center for Independence's Excellence in Disability Leadership,
Business Award at its 15th Annual Celebration of Independence Gala on
May 31, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Vincent W. Colonno, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Chari-
ties of the Diocese of Albany.