LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Abilities First Inc. upon the occasion
of the kick off of its Love Our Kids campaign, on June 7, 2013

WHEREAS, It is the practice 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
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that individ-
uals with disabilities merit our recognition as they realize goals that
serve to lift barriers and expand choices for all persons with disabili-
ties; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Abilities First Inc. upon the occasion of the kick off of its Love Our
Kids campaign; a Dancing and Drumming Flash Mob launch event will take
place on Friday, June 7, 2013, at the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall; and
WHEREAS, Abilities First Inc. provides educational, vocational, and
residential services to more than 1,200 people with disabilities in the
Hudson Valley; for more than 50 years, the organization has provided a
cohesive culture of warmth, acceptance, and empowerment for individuals
with a variety of disabilities, at every age and stage; and
WHEREAS, The Love Our Kids campaign is designed to provide a platform
for families of children with special needs to share their milestones
with the broader community via social media in an effort to raise aware-
ness about the challenges and victories that these families experience
every day, all year long; and
WHEREAS, The kick off event, the Dancing and Drumming Flash Mob
choreographed by NP Productions, will feature youth from Abilities First
programs; the Flash Mob will be recorded and posted online to be shared
by the Abilities First community; and
WHEREAS, After the Flash Mob is posted, Abilities First families will
have the opportunity to share their stories of milestones reached and
victories via email for posting on the Abilities First blog, Facebook
and Twitter sites, and, in so doing, fostering greater understanding of
the lives of people with disabilities, and garnering community support;
and
WHEREAS, Some of the stories shared during the Love Our Kids campaign
will be gathered in an inspirational eBook to be published in 2014,
further promoting awareness while also building support for Abilities
First innovative programs; and
WHEREAS, Those organizations that 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
commend Abilities First Inc. upon the occasion of the kick off of its
Love Our Kids campaign; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Abilities First Inc.