LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Fernande Valme Ministries Inc. upon
the occasion of hosting its Night of Restoration Dinner Celebration

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Fernande
Valme Ministries Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its Night of Restora-
tion Dinner Celebration on Friday, March 25, 2011, at the Grand Prospect
Hall, in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Fernande Valme was born on July 23, 1924, in Leogane, Haiti,
a small village outside the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince; throughout
her childhood, she was committed to the Episcopal Church in her village
where she started volunteer work in her community, and this had exposed
her to the medical field where she learned basic wound care; as a young
missionary, she traveled with her church pastor visiting the sick and
shut-ins; and
WHEREAS, As a young woman, Fernande Valme's passion for helping people
and spreading the word of God were evidenced in her activities; she
managed the choir of the First Baptist Church of Port-au-Prince and
remained at that post for 29 years; she also began prayer group sessions
in her own home; these prayer sessions evolved into her home becoming a
full-fledged house of prayer; and
WHEREAS, Fernande Valme and her house of prayer were renowned for
helping those in need of prayer and those who required spiritual heal-
ing; the house of prayer was the true foundation of her ministry as it
is known today; and
WHEREAS, At the age of twenty, Fernande Valme met a young man, Hyppol-
ite Valme, whom she married; they had seven children: Mireille, Suze,
Myrlande, Gerald, Yonel, Rode and Ketty; although her growing family
brought new responsibilities, Fernande did not let that interfere with
her ministry; and
WHEREAS, Femande Valme's children grew up to become successful adults;
she currently has 24 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, In 1971, Fernande Valme moved in to an apartment in East
Flatbush, Brooklyn, with as much enthusiasm for philanthropy and to
spread the gospel; she again started with small prayer sessions out of
her own home, and it expanded into the basement at 2621 Newkirk Avenue;
and
WHEREAS, Fernande Valme's prayer sessions outgrew the building and is
now "Fernande Valme Ministries" and the "Fernande Valme Community
Center" at 1120 Flatbush Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Fernande Valme was especially dedicated to the youth; her
ministries and community center are especially focused on guiding youth
in the right direction through various programs and events; every Tues-
day after Labor Day, the organization has an annual event for all the
students ranging from pre-school to college; and
WHEREAS, This event is a mentoring forum where focus and emphasis are
placed on the importance of school and making appropriate individual
choices; it is a sharing experience where older students speak of their
experiences, which gives them the ability to cope and improve their
future choices; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Fernande Valme returned to Haiti to plant the first
brick on a large scale philanthropic facility that she had planned to
build; this facility will consist of a hospital, daycare center, an

elementary school, a church and an artisan school; the nursery has been
built and it has served more than 200 children; and
WHEREAS, Fernande Valme's philanthropy has helped many people over
many decades; she has been recognized for her contributions with various
awards and certificates; many individuals throughout the state have
commended her for her past accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, It was because of the late Fernande Valme's strong faith,
integrity, love and care for people that she will always be remembered;
her legacy will live in the commitment of carrying her dream forward;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Fernande Valme Ministries Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its
Night of Restoration Dinner Celebration; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rode Valme, President of Fernande Valme Ministries Inc.