LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Janice Aris upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2016 Woman of Mercy Award by Mercy Home
for Children

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Janice Aris has given not only of her time and energies but
also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Janice Aris upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
2016 Woman of Mercy Award by Mercy Home for Children to be celebrated at
its Annual Partners in Mercy Luncheon on Sunday, April 10, 2016, at
Russo's on the Bay, Howard Beach, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mercy Home for Children, located in Brooklyn, New York, was
founded in 1862, by the Sisters of Mercy, and is a non-profit social
service agency specializing in residential and supportive programs for
persons with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Mercy Home for Children
assures the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabili-
ties through the recognition of each person's inherent dignity and abso-
lute right to a life filled with learning and love; and
WHEREAS, Janice Aris is being presented with this illustrious award in
recognition of her outstanding commitment, generosity and dedication to
the mission of Mercy Home for Children; and
WHEREAS, Janice Aris, MSW, MS, is the Executive Director at Mercy
Home; she has over 30 years' experience in the field of
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and has dedicated her career to
improving social services for some of New York City's most vulnerable
individuals, displaying deep compassion and creativity in responding to
human needs; and
WHEREAS, Prior to assuming the helm at Mercy Home, Janice Aris served
as the Vice President of Services for People with Developmental Disabil-
ities for Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services (CCNS); during this
period, she assisted the organization in expanding its Day Habilitation
and Medicaid Service Coordination programs; and
WHEREAS, Janice Aris holds two Master's degrees in Social Sciences and
Social Work, and an Advance Certificate in Not for Profit Management
from Long Island University; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Janice Aris is currently a Strell Fellow
participating in CUNY/Hunter College's Executive Leadership Program; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, and her two chil-
dren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice
in her achievements; 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
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Janice Aris upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2016 Woman of Mercy Award by Mercy Home for Children; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Janice Aris.