LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Darlene Ward upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Mary Rich Award by the New York State
Court Appointed Special Advocates

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 individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Darlene Ward
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Mary Rich Award
by the New York State Court Appointed Special Advocates which was cele-
brated at its 5th Annual Diamond and Hearts for New York's Children
event on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, at Glennpeter Jewelers Diamond Centre
in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Darlene Ward is being recognized for her many years of
service to New York State Court Appointed Special Advocates (NYSCASA)
and the OCA Court Improvement Project, where she has provided support
for abused and neglected children in the family courts; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed woman received her Bachelor of Arts and Master
of Arts in English from the State University of New York at Albany, as
well as her Masters of Arts in Community Psychology from Russell Sage
College; and
WHEREAS, In January of 1997, Darlene Ward became the first full-time
Director of NYSCASA, and during her illustrious tenure, was able to grow
and expand the organization greatly; and
WHEREAS, With a sense of civic responsibility, Darlene Ward served in
the New York State Unified Court System as a Statewide Program Manager
for the Court Appointed Special Advocates Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Darlene Ward serves as Assistant Coordinator of
the Child Welfare Court Improvement Project, a position she has held
since 2013; and
WHEREAS, Darlene Ward is known for being a valuable asset to the chil-
dren of New York State, and a powerful force in helping state programs
like NYSCASA be more effective; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Darlene Ward has displayed through-
out her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals 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
honor Darlene Ward upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Mary Rich Award by the New York State Court Appointed Special Advo-
cates; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Darlene Ward.