LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Donald Smith upon the occasion of his
retirement after a distinguished career in social services including 40
years of outstanding service with St. Catherine's Center for Children

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life of the communities of 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 citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Donald Smith upon the occasion of his retirement after a distinguished
career in social services including 40 years of outstanding service with
the St. Catherine's Center for Children in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong Albany resident, Donald Smith was born, raised and
educated in Albany and educated his own children in Albany; he graduated
from the Christian Brothers Academy in Albany and went on to earn a
Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Bernard's College in Alabama and a
Master of Social Work degree from SUNY Albany; and
WHEREAS, Donald Smith has served in various professional capacities in
Albany area social services roles in addition to his 40 years with St.
Catherine's Center for Children; his first job was with the Albany Coun-
ty Welfare Department and, most recently, he has served as the Deputy
Executive Director of the St. Catherine's Center for Children; and
WHEREAS, He has impacted thousands of lives in his career in a
strength based manner and has started and implemented numerous child
welfare, child protective, and foster care programs serving young chil-
dren, vulnerable families, and victimized clients; and
WHEREAS, Among the many programs and services Donald Smith has initi-
ated are Parent Care in Albany; Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School
District afterschool services; respite services; homeless transitional
and emergency services; the ARCH (A Regional Coalition for Housing)
Program; a specialized residential program for traumatized children; and
trauma focused interventions for children and families; and
WHEREAS, Donald Smith has provided direct services to children,
victims, and families; supported professional development of young
emerging staff; mentored Master of Social Work degree students, interns
and community volunteers and, is actively involved in faith based prison
treatment and is currently active, as well, in Albany Promise, a cradle
to careers initiative; and
WHEREAS, Donald Smith is well-known and highly regarded as a tireless
advocate, a great mentor and teacher, a respected and quiet leader, and
for his valued contributions to such professional organizations as the
Coalition of Children's Mental Health, Council of Foster Care Agencies,
Association of Social Workers and many more; and
WHEREAS, With Donald Smith throughout have been his wife of 46 years,
Ruth; his four children, and, more recently, his five cherished grand-
children, ages 8-18; and
WHEREAS, Donald Smith's colleagues, family and friends, as well as
many of those whose lives he has touched, will gather at a Retirement
Luncheon at The University Club in Albany on Wednesday, March 27, 2013,
to honor him and wish him well; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Donald Smith upon the occasion of his retirement after a distin-
guished career in social services including 40 years of outstanding
service with St. Catherine's Center for Children; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Donald Smith.